The paper focuses on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Kyoto Protocol. It also addresses the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
The paper provides a summary of each of the agreements or organisations mentioned. It looks at climate change, adaptation and Indigenous Peoples in the context of these agreements, analyses formal rules for observer status and provides strategic considerations.

It also highlights opportunities for engagement by Indigenous Peoples, as well as challenges, noting that preparations for the Copenhagen Climate Summit in December 2009 will involve intense preparations.The paper was prepared for the Inuit Circumpolar Council (Alaska) with support from The Christensen Fund.

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