The Samburu
Community
Protocol about
the Samburu
Indigenous
Livestock Breeds
and their
Rights to their
Indigenous
Livestock Genetic
Resources and
Role in Global
Biodiversity
Management
Our traditional breeds are developed through the interaction between
our livestock, our pastoralist way of life and our natural environment. This
natural environment is conserved, inter alia, through traditional practices
of the Samburu, and traditional breeds lose their specific characteristics
once removed from this ecosystem. We therefore have a right to access
our natural environment, so as to ensure the sustainable use and conservation of our breeds and the environment.
Principle 2 is supported by:
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 reducing”.
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 Samburu.
While we the Samburu 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 Samburu 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…“
14
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”