The operational policy of the World Bank regarding forests is under review. The Forum recommends to the Bank that it take into account the recommendations made by indigenous peoples and calls for the involvements of Forum members in the Bank’s process of review and revision.
The Forum, noting the future mandate of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Intergovernmental Committee on Intellectual Property and Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge and Folklore to be considered by the Committee at its session to be held in July 2003, expresses the wish that the mandate of the Committee should have as its clear objective the continued development of mechanisms, systems and tools that adequately protect the genetic resources, traditional knowledge and expressions of culture of indigenous peoples at the national, regional and international levels. The Forum affirms its willingness to contribute its expertise and experience to the work of the Committee and to play a consultative role in assisting mechanisms that may be established by member States of WIPO, and urges the Committee to assist two Forum members in participating systematically and effectively in the process by establishing a special fund.