Indigenous peoples are among the most disadvantaged of groups

The Washington-based lender said future development programmes that affected indigenous people would only be financed after "informed consultation".

Campaigners have argued that the bank's polices have previously worked to the disadvantage of indigenous groups.

But the bank said it was now seeking "direct engagement" with the world's aboriginal communities.

Marginalized people

The World Bank describes indigenous communities as distinct populations, whose culture, identity and natural resources are inextricably linked with the land upon which they live.

It is estimated that there are some 250 million indigenous peoples living in more than 70 countries across the world.

They are regularly among the most disadvantaged and marginalised of groups, often relying on traditional hunting or fishing grounds.

Announcing its revised policy, the World Bank said it would provide financing for programmes "only where free, prior and informed consultation results in broad community support for the project by the affected indigenous peoples."

The bank also called for closer agreements between governments and indigenous communities on the commercial use of natural resources, such as minerals, forests, water, and hunting or fishing grounds.

"The World Bank has now moved towards a proactive approach which includes direct engagement with indigenous peoples," said Ian Johnson, vice-president of sustainable development at the World Bank.