The characteristics of indigenous groupsmake participatory approaches especially critical tosafeguarding their interests int he development process.Such approaches, recognizing the right of indigenous peoplesto participate actively in planning their own futures, aresupported by major donors and international organizations,including the World Bank, but have proved very difficult toimplement. They call for changes in attitudes, policies andlegislation to address the key issues: recognizing rights toland and nautral resources, ensuring culturally appropriateprocedures for consultations and communication; and buildingon the strengths of traditional lifestyles and institutions.