The effective protection of the heritage of the indigenous peoples of the world benefits all humanity.
Cultural diversity is essential to the adaptability and creativity of the human species as a whole.
To be effective, the protection of indigenous peoples' heritage should be based broadly on the principle of self-determination, which includes the right and the duty of indigenous peoples to develop their own cultures and knowledge systems, and forms of social organization. Indigenous peoples should be recognized as the primary guardians and interpreters of their cultures, arts and sciences, whether created in the past, or developed by them in the future. International recognition and respect for indigenous peoples' own customs, rules and practices for the transmission of their heritage to future generations is essential to these peoples' enjoyment of human rights and human dignity. Indigenous peoples' ownership and custody of their heritage must continue to be collective, permanent and inalienable, as prescribed by the customs, rules and practices of each people. The discovery, use and teaching of indigenous peoples' knowledge, arts and cultures is inextricably connected with the traditional lands and territories of each people.