Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) as the Foundation of Long-Term Partnership in Brazilian REDD+ Projects

Wildlife Works
May 14
3 min read

Written by the Wildlife Works Brazilian Community Engagement Team

In Brazil, we are in the process of conducting Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes with Indigenous peoples living in the Brazilian Amazon. Throughout Wildlife Works’ 25+ year history, FPIC has evolved to be more than a formal requirement; it is the foundation of a long-term partnership between the community and the project developer. For Wildlife Works, FPIC is a process of capacity building, listening, and co-creation.

Co-Creation of Training Materials

From the start, we invested in jointly designing the FPIC process. We held planning workshops with community leaders to jointly define the formats, content, and materials to be used throughout. This early collaboration helped build trust and affirm the community’s protagonism.

We also brought in graphic facilitators to co-create visual and accessible materials on key project concepts. In addition, we strategically formed working groups with local youth, who acted as cultural translators — fluent both in digital tools and traditional knowledge, they helped ground the project in local realities and ensure concepts were effectively translated to the community.

One of the most effective strategies was to structure FPIC in layers. We began with broad meetings focused on basic topics like the carbon cycle, how a REDD+ project works, and what it means for the territory. Then we moved on to sessions with community leaders to go deeper into governance and the financial model. Only after we confirmed with the community that they had the information they needed did we move into the stage of contract negotiation. This step-by-step structure respected the community’s rhythm and allowed for stronger understanding and ownership.

Visual Learning Tools and Hands-On Exercises

When it came to financial management, we moved away from generic explanations or complex spreadsheets. Instead, we used visual tools and hands-on exercises — including things like bean abacuses — to discuss revenues, costs, risks, and options in a way that made sense locally. We also learned that fixed benefit-sharing formulas, like a fixed percentage split, were helpful for initial conversations but ultimately failed to reflect the true complexity of the project. We shifted toward joint decision-making based on real financial scenarios.

Not everything worked perfectly from the start. Literal translation of concepts proved insufficient — we needed to translate between worldviews, not just languages. Initially, efforts to expedite early stages led to misunderstandings, and we quickly learned that time is a key ingredient for meaningful listening and adapted our efforts to be on the community’s timeline. We also realized that different groups within the community — women, elders, youth — required specific, respectful approaches.

Distinguishing Between Traditional Territorial Governance from Project Governance

Another important move was to distinguish traditional territorial governance from project governance. We proposed the creation of a community REDD+ committee with its own rules, ensuring representation across geographic areas and social groups, without interfering in Indigenous governance systems. This allowed us to work on issues like transparency, equity, and accountability within the scope of the project itself.

We also actively encourage communities to seek independent legal counsel from the beginning of negotiations to facilitate a truly fair FPIC.

The Beginning of a Shared Way of Working

Ultimately, FPIC doesn't end with a signed agreement. It marks the beginning of a shared way of working — based on trust, mutual learning, and joint governance. For long-term projects like REDD+, it’s this ongoing process that sustains social, technical, and financial viability over time.