Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) is an important process that enables local communities/indigenous people to claim their rights to self-determination, consultation, and participation in decision-making. This process empowers their inclusion while engaging with researchers or conservation practitioners to be aware of and empowered to know how their participation may affect the outcomes of their engagement during and beyond the scope of projects.
FPIC is a continuous process beginning with the first encounter with a community that needs to be sustained until the completion and evaluation of activities. It is not a one-time activity but is best assessed through planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. FPIC perspectives can be used to decide upon activities, including reconsideration of decisions or corrective actions in response to insights and adaptive learning prompted by implementation experiences and expectations.