E/2003/43 E/C.19/2003/22 50. The Forum recommends that the United Nations Environment Programme report on the feasibility of developing mechanisms for indigenous peoples to participate in the persistent organic pollutants global monitoring programme’s evaluation process under the Stockholm Convention. The Forum also welcomes the key findings of the UNEP global mercury assessment, and recommends that the Economic and Social Council recommend that UNEP take immediate action on mercury contamination and work towards initiating a global legally binding instrument and other measures at the next UNEP Governing Council meeting of environmental ministers, to be held in the Republic of Korea in 2005. Recommendation 5 Mining and mineral extraction 51. The Forum recommends that the United Nations system, particularly the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNEP, taking note of the World Bank’s extractive industries review, organize a workshop on resource extraction and indigenous peoples to further discuss such issues as corporate accountability and the rehabilitation of mined out areas, polluted water bodies and compensation of adversely affected communities, sustainable development and land rights, with a view to developing a mechanism to address the issues. Recommendation 6 Forests, parks and protected areas 52. The operational policy of the World Bank regarding forests is under review. The Forum recommends to the Bank that it take into account the recommendations made by indigenous peoples and calls for the involvements of Forum members in the Bank’s process of review and revision. 53. The Forum notes the preparation of the World Congress on Protected Areas, to be held in Durban, South Africa, in September 2003, which Forum members consider to be an important meeting calling for their attention and action. The Forum recommends that all laws, policies or work programmes on forests and protected areas guarantee, ensure and respect various aspects of indigenous peoples’ lives, such as their spiritual and cultural lives, lands and territorial rights, including sacred sites, needs and benefits, and recognize their rights of access to and control over the management of forests. Recommendation 7 World Trade Organization 54. The Forum invites the secretariat of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to its third session for an exchange of views on important issues of common interest. Recommendation 8 Environmental impact assessment and cultural diversity 55. The Forum recommends that United Nations bodies, in particular the Convention on Biological Diversity, in coordination with the World Bank, UNDP, FAO and IFAD, and UNEP, organize a workshop on protecting sacred places and ceremonial sites of indigenous peoples with a view to identifying protective 11