Biocultural community protocols for livestock keepers
The Interlaken Declaration
Paragraph 12:
We recognize the enormous contribution that the local and indigenous communities and farmers, pastoralists and animal breeders of all regions of the world have made, and will continue
to make for the sustainable use, development and conservation of animal genetic resources for
food and agriculture. We further recognize the historic and relevant contribution of all persons
engaged in animal husbandry, who have moulded animal genetic resources to meet societal
needs. It is their ownership and management of the genetic resources of their livestock that has
enabled them to make important contributions in the past. It is this ownership and management
that should be ensured for future societal benefits. We affirm that they should participate in the
fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilization of animal genetic resources for
food and agriculture. We affirm the desirability, as appropriate, subject to national legislation, of
respecting, preserving and maintaining traditional knowledge relevant to animal breeding and
production as a contribution to sustainable livelihoods, and the need for the participation of all
stakeholders in making decisions, at the national level, on matters related to the sustainable
use, development and conservation of animal genetic resources.
(FAO, 2007)
genetic resources for food and agriculture. The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic
Resources was subsequently endorsed by all FAO members in the 34th FAO Conference.
The Plan contains 23 strategic priorities for action to promote the wise management of
these vital resources.
The development of biocultural community protocols contributes to several of the Strategic
Priorities of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (see also Appendix,
page 31).
Strategic Priority 2 supports the development of international technical standards and
protocols for characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks,
including “protocols for participatory monitoring of trends and associated risks, and characterization of local breeds managed by indigenous and local communities and livestock
keepers”.
Strategic Priority 5 promotes agro-ecosystems approaches to the management of animal
genetic resources by documenting agro-ecosystem management.
Strategic Priority 6 supports ”indigenous and local production systems and associated
knowledge systems of importance to the maintenance and sustainable use of animal genetic
resources”.
Strategic Priority 8 supports establishment and strengthening of in-situ conservation
programmes, including support to community-based conservation organizations.
8