The Study of Relevance and Accompaniment to Indigenous Consultation is a specialized service of ZEa Social Consulting that guarantees respect for the collective rights of indigenous peoples and communities, ensuring that any project, program, or measure that may affect their territories, culture, or ways of life is developed in accordance with national legislation and international standards, such as the ILO Convention 169 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
What does the Relevance Study consist of?
The Relevance Study is the first step to determine whether a project or action requires the realização of an Indigenous Consultation. It includes:
Identification and characterization of indigenous peoples and communities
Legal-anthropological analysis to determine the presence of communities subject to collective rights in the project's area of influence, according to official databases and state and federal regulations.
Assessment of possible impacts
Analysis of the possible social, cultural, environmental, and economic effects that the project could have on the rights, uses, customs, and territories of indigenous communities.
Assessment of admissibility
Preparation of a technical opinion indicating whether or not the Indigenous Consultation proceeds, in compliance with Articles 2 and 26 of the Mexican Constitution and ILO Convention 169.
Accompaniment to the Indigenous Consultation
When the consultation is valid, ZEa Social Consulting provides comprehensive support in all phases of the process, ensuring that the principles of prior, free, informed, culturally appropriate, and in good faith are met:
Methodological design and participatory planning
We support the responsible authorities and companies in planning the process, ensuring the active participation of the communities and respecting their timelines, languages, and forms of organization.
Facilitation and intercultural mediation
We act as mediators between the parties, ensuring that the information is understandable, that there are interpreters when necessary, and that cultural practices and decision-making processes of the communities are respected.
Training and capacity building
We provide training to responsible teams and authorities on regulations, intercultural communication, and conflict management, ensuring informed and respectful processes.
Collection and systematization of opinions
We facilitate workshops, assemblies, and dialogue spaces where communities can express their concerns, proposals, and expectations, ensuring transparent documentation of each stage.
Follow-up and verification of agreements
We support the formation of follow-up committees and the verification of compliance with the agreements reached during the consultation, producing clear and accessible reports for all parties.
Final legal opinion
We analyze the results and minutes of the consultation process, issuing legal opinions on the legality and legitimacy of the agreements reached.
Why choose ZEa Social Consulting?
Multidisciplinary approach:
We combine anthropological, legal, and social expertise to address the complexity of indigenous territories.
Respect and cultural sensitivity:
We ensure processes adapted to local contexts, with the participation of local talent and interpreters.
Alignment with international and national standards: Our processes comply with the protocols of the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI), the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation, and international organizations.
Transparency and legitimacy:
We promote trust and the building of lasting agreements among communities, authorities, and businesses.
