psychological abuse. Moreover, community approval must be acquired through processes deemed transparent by concerned communities. Rights holders must also confirm that they have not been deceived into providing signatures or fingerprints on documents with false or omitted information, or documents not stating the intended purpose of the signatures. (5 points) Indicator 14. Sacred sites, and sites of religious, cultural, or educational significance, are respected and not desecrated by the investor/company. An investor must comply with the limits and zoning set by communities when operating in or around areas that are sacred, of religious, cultural, or educational importance. Measures to protect these sites must also be instituted in investment documents and implemented by the company. This will ensure that the cultural integrity of communities is preserved during the investments’ operations. (5 points) Indicator 15. Customary and indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices, are acknowledged and respected by the investor/company. The investor must have due respect for the set of customary and indigenous knowledge, systems, and practices (IKSPs) of the community. Modern technologies and practices must be introduced with the free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) of local communities. Changes in technology and practices that did not undergo FPIC might lead to the loss of balance in how the local community relates with their environment. The protection of IKSPs also ensures the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage of local communities. For companies coordinating with non-indigenous communities, investors must remain respectful of the local authority and regulations of the involved party. Communication with legitimate community leaders and authorized community representatives must neither be bypassed nor foregone. (5 points) Indicator 16. Food sovereignty, nutrition, or livelihoods of the community, especially of vulnerable groups such as women, farmers, fisherfolk, forest dwellers, informal settlers, PWDs, whose rights to the land and resources may be affected, are not threatened by the investor/company. The company’s operations ought to stimulate livelihoods through the creation of employment opportunities, rather than degrade livelihoods through limiting access to nutritious food sources and other resources. Investments in land and agriculture should also enhance the productive capacity of smallholders and improve their access to markets. (5 points) Indicator 17. The unity of the concerned communities, and cohesion of members of the communities, are not divided or challenged by the investor/company. 94 Upholding Land Rights amidst the Land Rush