"The passage of this motion is an important step in acknowledging the role indigenous peoples play in conservation. This is a victory for the world's Indigenous cultures and for our unique knowledge of the natural world," said Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Terry Audla.

The motion was co-sponsored by Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (Canada's National Inuit Organization), Inuit Circumpolar Council (a multinational non-governmental Indigenous Peoples' Organization representing the 160,000 Inuit in the arctic areas of Canada, U.S.A., Denmark and Russia), along with a contingent of South American and African organizations.

"Indigenous peoples have historically been grossly underrepresented in world forums such as these. Governments and conservation groups now have to make room for us at the table, in this new climate of inclusion," said Vernon Amos, of Sachs Harbour, a hamlet located in the Inuvik Region of the Northwest Territories, Canada.

IUCN is the world's largest environmental network. The World Conservation Congress, held every four years, is its highest decision-making body.