The term “indigenous peoples and local communities” is used internationally to recognize community-based, nongovernmental stakeholders and rights holders in international forums and conventions. Indigenous peoples and local communities cover a vast range of cultural diversity on the planet, including those on the front lines of environmental sustainability, vulnerability and custodianship. Over the past three decades, the term has gained usage in international as well as in legal frameworks, standard setting and policy processes. There are, however, important differences between indigenous peoples and local communities with respect to law, norms, standards and rights at the international level, as well as at regional and national levels
