Globalisation is responsible for the erosion of indigenous communities across the developing world, yet the policies of major donors towards them are in disarray. Only when there is opposition to major infrastructure projects is notice taken, although this is a minor element in a broad process of mining natural resources and cultural assimilation. Diversity in indigenous communities tends to correlate with biological diversity and to support it therefore offers more than just cultural value. This paper sets out the main preconditions for improved support by donors and governments.