Preliminary Results of a Survey of Farm Animal Biodiversity Conservation Actions in Europe Under the Framework of Agenda 2000

In this paper we report on preliminary results of a research aimed to examine the content of farm animal biodiversity conservation actions currently under implementation in the European Union in the framework of EU Agenda 2000. In particular, we surveyed sixty-three Rural Development Plans (RDPs) set up in twelve countries in application of EEC regulations 1257/99 and 1750/99. Our analysis focused on endangered breeds of six major livestock species included in the RDPs. This analysis, which is based on the comparison with the indicator's status of the DAD-IS FAO database, allowed to identify priorities in conservation efforts in each country, and estimate the level of expected public expenditure needed to ensure the moving of breeds from at-risk (of extinction) status to not-at-risk status over the period 2000-2006.farm animal biodiversity, Agenda 2000, Rural Development Plans., Livestock Production/Industries, Q18, Q20,

Horses as Sources of Proprietary Information: Commercialization, Conservation, and Compensation Pursuant to the Convention on Biological Diversity

Horses indigenous to East and Southeast (E/SE) Asia, including native, landrace, feral, and wild populations, embody valuable genetic diversity. Conservation efforts for animals have largely been driven by humane altruism, with little consideration for the information value of genomes. Yet, if horses are viewed as archives of information as well as objects of affection, their conservation shifts to a market-based paradigm. Horse genetic resources (GR) likely contain significant value to the lucrative global horse industry, including veterinary applications such as diagnostics, therapeutics, genetic markers, gene therapies, and cloning technologies. As biotechnology becomes increasingly sophisticated, mining of horse GR will accelerate, thus facilitating identification, inventorying, bioprospecting, and commercialization of genetic information. Yet, establishing a value chain that balances equitable compensation for commercial applications while promoting conservation of horse populations remains a challenge. Recommendations presented here include establishing regional and national human resource and institutional capacity (competent national authorities), that catalog eco-geographical inventories of horse GR; monitor, manage, market and direct equitable value chains from horse to genetic information to commercial products; and ensure revenue flow back to support conservation. This system will foster market incentives to build capacity for sustainable conservation of the diverse horse populations of E/SE Asia

Economic Evaluation and Biodiversity Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources

Rapidly declining biodiversity has made international and national policies focus on the question of how best to protect genetic resources. Loss of biodiversity does not only concern wildlife, but equally affects agriculturally used species. These species, of foremost importance for the subsistence of humankind, are subject to pressures sometimes similar and sometimes very distinct from those of their wild counterparts. And so are the losses implied by this decline in diversity. This handbook was conceived within the project Sustainable conservation of animal genetic resources in marginal rural areas: Integrating molecular genetics, socio-economics and geostatistical approaches (ECONOGENE – EC-QLK5-CT-2001-02461) to review and design methods that can serve as a basis to guide conservation policies for livestock breeds at risk of extinction. It is part of the broader effort of a multidisciplinary research team assessing the diversity of European sheep and goat breeds. The final goal of the project is to assess the impact of current and future policies on these breeds. --

Conservation of Indigenous Livestock : Sustaining Biodiversity for Current and Future Generations

This report, presented by Roger Blench, Managing Director of Mallam Dendo Ltd, UK, considers some of the current challenges involved in the conservation of indigenous livestock. The importance of livestock biodiversity in reducing the risks faced by manyu poor rural households is described in the context of accelerating erosion of livestock diversity. The role of science in identifying genetic resources and the implications of emerging techniques for science based policy are also discussed. The need for coherent policies on livestock is highlighted focusing on a framework that allows input from evolving science, the implementation of the Convention of Biodiversity, regional policies, and a re-orientation of research and extension towards species and uses relevant to poor people. This report was discussed during the Stakeholder meeting at AGM2005

Promoting collaboration between livestock and wildlife conservation genetics communities

The collaboration between livestock and wildlife conservation genetics communities has the potential to help promote shared priorities, with respect to emerging technologies and new analytical approaches such as next generation sequencing incorporating adaptive variation. The GLOBALDIV Consortium recently organized an international workshop held at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (Switzerland) including a whole-day session with contributions aimed at taking stock of the situation regarding the extent of information and methodology exchange between the two communities. Discussions permitted the identification of potential benefits of further promoting cooperation in the context of genetic monitoring in particular, a central concept to current concerns for both the livestock and wildlife conservation communitie

Domestic Animal Biodiversity in Ethiopia and its Threats and Opportunities with Emphasis to Changing Climate: An Overview

Ethiopia has long been recognized as a center of diversity for domestic animal genetic resources which is vital component of agro-biodiversity. Ethiopia is the major livestock country in Africa and enjoys considerable livestock resources both in terms of number and diversity. The level of economic gains made from agro-biodiversity depends mainly on the existing indigenous crop/plant and livestock diversity, and on the practices and knowledge of the local farmers. To these communities, losses in agro-biodiversity (more serious in livestock) mean less option in their production systems and hence reduced overall welfare and food security. Climate change is likely to become the dominant direct driver of biodiversity loss. Feed shortage and disease burden exacerbated by climate change. Livestock production in already marginal ecosystems in Ethiopia is severely affected by climate change induced disasters. Sheko cattle, the only taurine breed in East Africa and with Trypanotolerant traits appears to be highly threatened. More efforts of livestock genetic characterization are needed to broaden the range of indigenous genetic resources and options available to livestock keepers seeking to adapt to climate change. The information systems and community-based animal genetic resources conservation researched by such stakeholders as ILRI and maintaining pure indigenous breeds in government breeding Ranches and research centers are positive experiences. The ratification of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Interlaken Declaration, and some policy issues are also opportunities towards cost-effective way of conservation and utilization of existing/indigenous animal genetic resources which ensures food security and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this paper is aimed at discussing current state of knowledge on livestock biodiversity and some potential adaptation and biodiversity conservation options to reduce the consequences of climate change. Keywords: Adaptation efforts, Climate change, Conservation, Livestock biodiversity, Policy issues

Valuation and sustainable management of crop and livestock biodiversity: a review of applied economics literature

This paper is part of the follow-up to the workshop “Managing Agricultural Biodiversity for Sustainable Development” organized by the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) for the CGIAR System-wide Genetic Resources Programme (SGRP) and hosted by the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), Nairobi, Kenya (23-25 October, 2003, Nairobi, Kenya)

Farm animal genetic resources: safeguarding national livestock biodiversity

Long regarded in the UK as the responsibility of individuals, breeders’ groups or charitable organizations, livestock breed conservation has now been recognized by the Government as a national responsibility. The National Standing Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources was set up in 2006 to promote conservation and sustainable development of livestock biodiversity in general. It is putting into effect a National Action Plan comprising 38 Recommended Actions. This article reports on the composition and activities of the Committee and emphasizes the importance for agricultural sustainability of a full appreciation of the value of these resources