We believe that indigenous human rights, conservation and the protection of cultural heritage can be accommodated through a framework based on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and processes and procedures which provide for the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples in the PoWIB such as the Akwé: Kon guidelines (http://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/akwe-brochure-en.pdf).

Subsequent to the passage of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, island States and States with islands as well as agencies and specialized bodies of the United Nations were directed to incorporate human rights standards into their work, and to take a human rights-based approach to their mandates. Many have refused to comply with this human rights commitment and have refused to draft or adopt policies relating to indigenous peoples, or appropriate procedures to provide for consultation with indigenous peoples when activities impact their lands, territories and resources. As a consequence, the undertakings, processes and procedures usually operate in a manner that violates the human rights of indigenous peoples in island ecosystems. 

Island State Governments should work collaboratively with the indigenous peoples of their State in implementing the PoWIB with respect and recognition of the rights of IPs and with their full and effective participation.  A way forward would include endorsing the UNDRIP like Samoa who stated in 2009 that “The intervening period allowed us to reflect deeper on the Declaration and given the progressive developments worldwide and the gradual but steady acceptance of the Declaration as a helpful complement to existing universal human rights protection instruments, and as a crucial and comprehensive framework to advance the human rights of the Indigenous Peoples."