This is an extensive document outlining five principles that ought to be followed when working with indigenous communities. The 5 principles are supported by 22 guidelines. The principles are summarized as follows:

1. Indigenous peoples have a history of living within and sustainably managing ecosystems, and conservationists need to respect the knowledge and rights of people living in protected areas, treating them as equal partners in conservation.
2. Any agreements between conservation institutions and indigenous groups must respect the rights of indigenous people to use the land in their traditional manner, while recognizing the responsibility indigenous groups have to do so sustainably.
3. Decentralization, participation, transparency and accountability should be highlighted in the process of incorporating indigenous peoples in conservation initiatives.
4. Benefits from protected areas should be enjoyed by Indigenous groups.
5. Many of these responsibilities are international, as indigenous populations and ecosystems often cross national boundaries.

There are guidelines that pertain to each of these principles individually and are meant to further the understanding and enactment of the principles.

The second section of the document is home to 11 case studies from around the world, involving ecosystem management projects and indigenous communities. There are positive examples to highlight avenues to success as well as case studies that showcase the potential negative impacts of conservation projects on indigenous communities.

The document as a whole is 146 pages long, but the executive summary outlines the structure of the paper and offers a brief description of its important components.