The results of the survey note that 10 countries have begun implementing national strategies to better manage genetic diversity of livestock, and 28 more are in the process of developing one.
24 November 2010: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) released the Results of Informal Surveys on Progress in Country Implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which describes steps by an increasing number of countries to better manage genetic diversity of livestock, which notes that ten countries have begun implementing national strategies and 28 more are in the process of developing one.
The results of the survey outline progress in four strategic priority areas on: characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks; sustainable use and development; in situ and ex situ conservation; and policies, institutions and capacity building. The survey highlights a lack of adequate information on an estimated 35% of livestock breeds, posing challenges to prioritization and planning of conservation measures. It stresses the importance for genetic diversity to assist countries in adaptation to climate change and in strengthening food security.
These actions follow the adoption of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources. The release of this report precedes the sixth session of the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, which is meeting from 24-26 November 2010, in Rome, Italy, at FAO headquarters. The Working Group will also consider the “Status and Trends of Animal Genetic Resources 2010.” [FAO Press Release] [FAO Informal Survey][Status and Trends of Animal Genetic Resources][Working Group Meeting Website]