On the other hand, their close relationship with the environment has made many indigenous peoples extremely vulnerable to changes and damages in the environment. Illegal logging, mining activities, pollution and climate change all pose increasing threats to indigenous livelihoods and their survival.
In caring for the environment, UNEP has long considered indigenous peoples as important stakeholders and actively seeks to cooperate closely with indigenous peoples in the pursuance of its mission of ‘environment for development’.
Within the UN system, the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) established in 2002, is the main and central forum to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights.
