Article 8 of the Convention on Biological Diversity: “genetic resources should be conserved in the
surroundings in which they have developed their distinct properties”.
Article 10 (d) of the Convention on Biological Diversity demands that “local populations are supported to
develop and implement remedial action in degraded areas where biological diversity has been reduce”.
Chapter 15 (5) (g) of Agenda 21: requires States to “Take action where necessary for the conservation of
biological diversity through the in situ conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats,…and the
maintenance and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings.
Principle 22 of the Rio Declaration: “Indigenous people and their communities and other local
communities have a vital role in environmental management and development because of their
knowledge and traditional practices. States should recognize and duly support their identity, culture and
interests and enable their effective participation in the achievement of sustainable development”.
Principle 3:
Our traditional breeds represent collective property, products of indigenous knowledge and cultural
expression of the Raika.
While the Raika have collective custodianship rights over our breeds and the genetic traits of these
breeds, it is crucial that these rights are supported and promoted by the government. Our government
must therefore respect, preserve and maintain the knowledge, innovations and practices of the Raika
embodying lifestyles relevant for sustainable use and conservation of livestock diversity.
Principle 3 is supported by:
Article 8 (j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity: “Contracting parties shall…subject to national
legislation, respect, preserve and maintain knowledge innovations and practices of indigenous and local
communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant for the conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity…“
Article 10 (c) of the Convention on Biological Diversity: “customary use of biological resources is
protected and encouraged in accordance with traditional cultural practices that are compatible with
conservation and sustainable use requirements”..
Chapter 15 (4) (g) of Agenda 21 calls on governments at the appropriate level “to recognize and foster
the traditional methods and knowledge of indigenous people and their communities …relevant to the
conservation of biological diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources”.
Chapter 15 (5) (e) of Agenda 21: Governments should “subject to national legislation, take action to
respect, record, protect and promote the wider application of the knowledge, innovations and practices
of indigenous and local communities embodying traditional lifestyles for the conservation of biological
diversity and the sustainable use of biological resources …”
Based on these principles articulated and implicit in existing legal instruments and international
agreements, the Raika who belong to a traditional livestock keeping community and adhere to
ecological principles of animal production affirm the following rights:
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