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The European Union is one of the largest donors to tropical forest areas. One third of all aid to tropical forests comes from the European Community or its member states. Evaluations of EC aid and of EC aid to tropical forests in particular have shown that the EC aid programme does not give sufficient consideration to the social aspect. Where environmental impact assessments have been carried out they are often weak in the consultation and participation side. It is well known that several EC aid projects have had detrimental effects on indigenous and other forest peoples (see http://www.rainforestfoundationuk.org/rainhome.htm for evidence).

In November 1998 the EU adopted a Resolution on Indigenous Peoples in Development Co-operation (November 1998, HTML). The fact that the Union spells out Indigenous Peoples’ Rights to self determination is an important step forward. However to date the Resolution has not been properly implemented.