Developing the institutional framework for the management of animal genetic resources

FAO ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND HEALTH 6

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome 2011

Abstract

The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, adopted in 2007, is the first internationally agreed framework for the management of biodiversity in the livestock sector. The guidelines on the Development of Institutional Frameworks for the Management of Animal genetic resources have been endorsed by the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. They are part of a series of guidelines prepared to support countries in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. They complement, in particular, the guidelines on the Preparation of national strategies and action plans for animal genetic resources.

A sound institutional framework provides a basis for effective management of animal genetic resources both nationally and internationally. The guidelines present an overview of the components of the global network for the management of animal genetic resources and advice on how they can be strengthened at national and regional levels. Detailed guidance is provided on the role of National Coordinators for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources and the development and operation of National Focal Points for the Management of Animal Genetic Resources supported by National Advisory Committees, working groups and country stakeholder networks. Progress towards the establishment of a network of Regional Focal Points for Animal Genetic Resources is reviewed and advice is offered in the form of a series of steps that can be followed by stakeholders wishing to establish and sustain focal points in their regions.

The guidelines draw on lessons learned from many years of experience in the implementation of programmes and focal points for the management of animal genetic resources in many parts of the world, and include personal contributions from individuals who have been actively involved in this work.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations and acronyms

Introduction

SECTION 1
Background and context

The Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources
The first report on The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
From the Global Strategy to the Global Plan of Action
The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources

SECTION 2
The guidelines

SECTION 3
The components of the global network on animal genetic resources

SECTION 4
The role of the FAO Global Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources

Technical assistance, standard setting and protocols
Global information system for animal genetic resources
Providing an interactive communication service
Building national capacity in animal genetic resources management
Awareness raising and promotion of animal genetic resources issues
Facilitating the donor and stakeholder mechanism
Collaborating with international bodies
Providing the secretariat for implementing the Global Plan of Action

SECTION 5
Roles and responsibilities of National Focal Points

Host arrangements for National Focal Points
Activities of National Focal Points
The National Advisory Committee
Working groups and subsidiary bodies
Country networks on animal genetic resources
Assessing the performance of the National Focal Point
A checklist for the establishment and operation of the National Focal Point

SECTION 6
Roles and responsibilities of Regional Focal Points

Establishment of Regional Focal Points
Regional Focal Points: summary of conclusions
A checklist for the establishment and operation of a Regional Focal Point

References

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ISBN 978-92-5-106972-1

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