religions, cultural or économie importance to indigenous peoples. E/CN.4/Sub.2/1990/39 page 14 64. One government observer suggested that, if this principle applied to projects carried out on lands owned by indigenous peoples, the requirement that States simply "consult" with them seemed too weak. Some indigenous observers suggested that the phrase "seek the consent" would be préférable, while participants in the indigenous peoples' preparatory meeting took the position that the right of "consent" is essential, particularly in relation to large-scale projects, which may frequently involve the destruction of indigenous peoples. 65. One indigenous observer proposed adding the words "to obtain the free and informed consent of" between the words "that States" and "indigenous peoples"; the words "which affect Indigenous territories or rights" between "any projects" and "particularly natural resource projects"; and the words "the right to negotiate and conclude" before "just and fair compensation". It was also suggested that this draft article should not be limited to "large-scale" projects. 66. Another indigenous observer proposed rewording this principle as follows: "The duty of States to seek and obtain their free and informed consent, through appropriate mechanisms, before undertaking or permitting any programmes for the exploration or exploitation of minerai or other subsoil resources pertaining to their traditional territories. Just and fair compensation should be provided for any such activities undertaken for the duration of such uses and for the fair market value of resources which are exploited, developed, or removed from traditional territories. The duty of the State to restore and rehabilitate the territories which have been utilized by States for minerai resource exploitation and development." 67. The Chairman/Rapporteur clarifies that this principle is similar to article 15 of ILO Convention No. 169, which relates to exploitation of subsurface and other natural resources. The ILO provision employs the term, 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the rights of indigenous peoples regarding the exploitation of natural resources on their lands, including the requirement for states to seek their consent and provide just and fair compensation. This suggests that the category is related to natural resources and the rights of indigenous peoples.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Culture