Article 19 (1) (e) of the United Nations Convention on Desertification obliges parties to promote capacity
building “by adapting, where necessary, relevant environmentally sound technology and traditional
methods of agriculture and pastoralism to modern socio-economic conditions”.
Strategic Priority 6 of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources requests governments to
“Support indigenous and local livestock systems of importance to animal genetic resources, including
through the removal of factors contributing to genetic erosion. Support may include the provision of
veterinary and extension services, delivery of microcredit for women in rural areas, appropriate access to
natural resources and to the market, resolving land tenure issues, the recognition of cultural practices
and values, and adding value to their specialist products.”
4. The Raika shall have the right to participate in the identification of research needs and research
design with respect to our genetic resources, as is mandated by the principle of Prior Informed
Consent.
This right is supported by:
Article 8 (j) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (see above) and Article 10 (d) which says Parties
shall “support local populations to develop and implement remedial action in degraded areas where
biological diversity has been reduced”.
Chapter 15(4) (g) of Agenda 21 require states to “Recognize and foster the traditional methods and the
knowledge of indigenous people and their communities …and ensure the opportunity for the
participation of those groups in the economic and commercial benefits derived from the use of such
traditional methods and knowledge”.
5. The Raika shall have the right to effectively access information on issues related to our local breeds
and livestock diversity.
This right is supported by:
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