Rights to Animal Genetic Resources – Basic facts and debates

elni Review ◽  
2011 ◽  
pp. 66-78
Author(s):  
Susette Biber-Klemm ◽  
Michelangelo Temmermann
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Genetic Information ◽  
Consumer Preferences ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Scientific Progress ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Market Incentives ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Basic Facts

Different strands of thinking and various lines of arguments lie behind the enquiry into the creation of rights to animal genetic resources. These are fueled by three major developments regarding livestock genetic resources: the increasing volume in trade in animal products, the scientific progress in animal breeding with the advances in genetic engineering, and the so-called erosion of animal genetic resources. This paper discusses questions of conservation and the sustainable use of animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGRFA) in context with international trade and property rights. It provides an overview of the ongoing processes, the current debates and involved institutions. The question asked from a trade angle is whether and how incentives (market incentives) can be created to address the failures that lead to market concentration and uniformity of breeds. The hypothesis is that the questions of ownership and allocation of the rights to the genetic information are key and a basis for creating incentives to provide for adequate investments in traditional breeds and foster fcreativity to adapt them to specific environmental conditions and consumer preferences.

Conservation of farm animal genetic resources – a global view

2004 ◽  
Vol 30 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
R.A. Cardellino
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Extreme Environments ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Farm Animal ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Farm Animal Genetic Resources

AbstractFarm animal genetic resources face a double challenge. On the one hand the demand for animal products is increasing in developing countries. The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has estimated that demand for meat will double by 2030 (2000 basis) and demand for milk will more than double in this 30-year period. On the other hand, animal genetic resources are disappearing rapidly worldwide. Over the past 15 years, 300 out of 6000 breeds identified by FAO have become extinct, and 1 to 2 breeds disappear every week. FAO has been requested by its member countries to develop and implement a global strategy for the management of farm animal genetic resources. It is important to conserve local breeds because many of them utilise lower quality feed, are more resilient to climatic stress, are more resistant to local parasites and diseases, and represent a unique source of genes for improving health and performance traits of industrial breeds. It is important also to develop and utilise local breeds that are genetically adapted to their environments. Genotype x environment interactions are important especially where extreme environments are involved. Most of these production environments are harsh, with very limited natural and managerial inputs, and they are not limited to developing countries. Animals genetically adapted to these conditions will be more productive at lower costs. They will support food, agriculture and cultural diversity, and will be effective in achieving local food security objectives. In many countries local communities depend on these adapted genetic resources. Their disappearance or drastic modification, for example by crossbreeding, absorption or replacement by exotic breeds, will have tremendous impacts on these human populations. Most breeds at risk are not supported by any established conservation activity or related policy, and breed extinction rates are increasing.

scholarly journals Monitoring and Progress in the Implementation of the Global Plan of Action on Animal Genetic Resources

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 775
Author(s):  
Jennifer Cao ◽  
Roswitha Baumung ◽  
Paul Boettcher ◽  
Beate Scherf ◽  
Badi Besbes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Genetic Resources ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Brics Countries ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Food And Agriculture Organization ◽  
Livestock Productivity

Animal genetic resources are critical to livestock productivity and adaptability, facilitate resilience to climate change, and are a key contributor to food security and livelihoods around the world. The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (Global Plan), consisting of four Strategic Priority Areas (SPAs: Characterization; Sustainable use; Conservation; Policy), provides a framework to guide countries and other stakeholders on actions to improve the management of animal genetic resources. Assessing, reporting and monitoring the progress and implementation of the Global Plan are critical processes for understanding global commitments made to enhance livestock genetic diversity. In this study, three rounds of reporting (2012, 2014, and 2019) from Member Nations of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations were quantitatively analyzed to gain insight into the progress and implementation of the Global Plan by grouping questionnaires responses into quantitative indicator scores. Variations were found in indicator scores across SPAs, year, and regions, as well as within regions. Countries from North America and Europe and the Caucasus reported higher scores, while most BRICs countries (Brazil, India, China, South Africa) had high implementation scores relative to other countries in the same region. A significant positive correlation was observed between mean implementation scores in 2019 and GDP per capita (r = 0.456). Countries reporting higher implementation of in situ conservation also indicated higher proportions of breeds at risk. Significant progress was reported over the years for three of the four SPAs; SPA3 (conservation) was not found to have significantly improved. Despite the gains that have been made since 2012 in management of animal genetic resources, much remains to be done. The population status of nearly 60% of breeds is unknown while almost three quarters of breeds of known status are at risk of extinction. Efforts must continue to improve management of livestock genetic diversity, with further investments and development of approaches that support socio-economic viability of local genetic resources.

scholarly journals Sustainable use and genetic improvement

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 49-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Nimbkar ◽  
J. Gibson ◽  
M. Okeyo ◽  
P. Boettcher ◽  
J. Soelkner
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Cultural Dimensions ◽  
Advanced Technology ◽  
Indigenous Populations ◽  
Genomic Technologies ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Animal Populations

SummarySustainable use of animal genetic resources for agriculture and food production is proposed as the best strategy for maintaining their diversity. Achievement of sustainable use would continue to support livelihoods and minimize the long-term risk for survival of animal populations. The concept of sustainable use has economic, environmental and socio-cultural dimensions. Sustainable use of animal genetic resources also contributes to food security, rural development, increasing employment opportunities and improving standards of living of keepers of breeds. Supporting the rearing of breeds through better infrastructure, services, animal health care, marketing opportunities and other interventions would make a significant contribution to the sustainable use of animal genetic resources.Sustainable use envisages the use and improvement of breeds that possess high levels of adaptive fitness to the prevailing environment. It also encompasses the deployment of sound genetic principles for sustainable development of the breeds and the sustainable intensification of the production systems themselves. Sustainable use and genetic improvement rely on access to a wide pool of genetic resources.Genetic improvement programmes need to be considered in terms of national agriculture and livestock development objectives, suitability to local conditions and livelihood security as well as environmental sustainability. Genetic improvement can involve choice of appropriate breeds, choice of a suitable pure breeding or crossbreeding system and application of within-breed genetic improvement. The choice of appropriate breeds and crossbreeding systems in developed countries has been a major contributor to the large increases in productivity, and has benefited greatly from the fact that developed country animal genetic resources are well characterized and relatively freely exchanged. Where proper steps have been followed by careful assessment of demand, execution, delivery, impact and cost-benefit analyses, successful within-breed improvement has been realized within indigenous populations in developing countries. Breeding objectives and programmes for subsistence oriented and pastoralist systems are likely to be entirely different from conventional programmes. Crossbreeding has been most successful where it is followed by a rigorous selection programme involving livestock owners' participation and substantial public sector investment in the form of technical support. In any genetic improvement programme, inbreeding needs to be monitored and controlled.Within-breed genetic improvement is normal practice in the developed world, and has become a highly technical enterprise, involving a range of reproduction, recording, computing and genomic technologies. Emerging genomic technologies promise the ability to identify better, use and improve developing world animal genetic resources in the foreseeable future. Useful systems can, however, be established without the need for application of advanced technology or processes.

The relationship between national plant genetic resources programmes and practitioners promoting on-farm management: results from a global survey

2013 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linn Borgen Nilsen ◽  
Abishkar Subedi ◽  
Mohammad Ehsan Dulloo ◽  
Kakoli Ghosh ◽  
Jorge Chavez-Tafur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Global Survey ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
National Programmes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
On Farm

A global survey was conducted among a wide range of stakeholders to gain insight into the state of on-farm management (OFM) as a strategy for enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA). The results show that OFM is not considered a priority in national PGRFA programmes (NPGRPs), and that OFM practitioners and their organizations are not always aware of, or involved in, NPGRPs. The survey also highlighted the lack of awareness, understanding and collaboration between OFM practitioners and the managers and policy-makers associated with NPGRPs. The outcome of the analysis supports a hypothesis that OFM is, to a large extent, supported by stakeholders who are not directly engaged in the conservation and use of PGRFA, and therefore not associated with NPGRPs. This should be taken into consideration when seeking to improve the performance and impact of national programmes, and their commitment to safeguard PGRFA and contribute to food security, poverty alleviation and sustainable agriculture.

scholarly journals Conservation and Sustainable Use of PGRFA in Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 67
Author(s):  
Muhamad Sabran ◽  
Puji Lestari ◽  
Mastur Mastur
Keyword(s):  
Information System ◽  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
National Level ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Convention On Biological Diversity ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Agriculture Development

<p>The high diverse of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) in Indonesia needs to be conserved for sustainable use to achieve food security despite a still growing population. Therefore, database and information system which could add value to the PGRFA have been developed by many international initiatives and conventions which impact to national level. Two international agreements that Indonesia intensively involved to govern access and share the benefit arising from the use of the valuable PGRFA are the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) and the Nagoya Protocol of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. Agriculture development in Indonesia, however, is still faced many challenges. This review described and discussed the high biodiversity in Indonesia, utilization and conservation of PGRFA, supporting regulation and policy on PGRFA along with the progress of database and information system. Overall, promoting conservation and the sustainable use of PGRFA is a key goal of various national, regional, and global efforts, initiatives, and agreements governing them for human well-being.</p>

Conservation of farm animal biodiversity: history and prospects

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Institutional Control ◽  
The Awakening ◽  
Animal Genetic Resources ◽  
Institutional Infrastructure ◽  
Conservation Projects ◽  
Convention On Biodiversity

SummaryThe conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources (AGR) is now recognized as a legitimate activity of public concern in which inter-governmental, governmental, non-governmental and private sectors are involved. Livestock breeds became threatened on a large scale only in the second half of the 20th century. They are now recognized as a significant human heritage resulting from domestication whose loss would deplete the quality of human life. Conservation as a conscious and organized activity is therefore a new item on the public agenda. This paper traces the origin of livestock conservation from the Vision in the 1950s and 1960s through the awakening of the environmental movement with the creation of UNEP in 1972, followed by the development of a Joint Conservation Infrastructure and Programme for animal genetic resources in the 1980s by FAO and UNEP.The paper describes the context, participants, constraints, opposition and activities of building the AGR Conservation Infrastructure and Programme. Although the concept of conservation was opposed by some and there were both financial and political difficulties, an effective institutional infrastructure for conservation was built by FAO by 1990 using UNEP funds. In 1992, the advent of the Convention on BioDiversity offered substantial funding for project activities for the first time through the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). At that point it was desirable to move activities from central planning to the design, funding and operation of local or national conservation projects. “Top-down” institutional control should have been replaced by “Bottom-up” conservation activities. Regrettably this did not happen during the 1990s and, as shown by successive editions of the World Watch List, the number of endangered livestock breeds has continued to increase. Now that the conservation vision is accepted and the institutional infrastructures are in place it is time for a new dynamic by creating and funding specific conservation projects which harness the local human resources of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture for sustainable development

2021 ◽  
pp. 3-34
Author(s):  
Chikelu Mba ◽  
◽  
M. Ehsan Dulloo ◽  
Kent Nnadozie ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Benefit Sharing ◽  
Access And Benefit Sharing ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
The Face ◽  
Global Coordination ◽  
Food Security And Nutrition ◽  
Technological Methods

Plant genetic resources for food and agriculture, a common concern of all countries, are critically important for the sustainable production of the significantly more nutritious food needed to feed an ever-growing population in the face of climate change and other drivers. This entails the translation of the potentials encoded into their genetic blueprints into improved productivities. The relevant international agreements, instruments and mechanisms, which address the conservation, sustainable use and access and benefit-sharing for these resources, are reviewed along with their remarkable contributions to food security and nutrition. The chapter also highlights the state-of-the-art for the scientific and technological methods used to conserve and add value through genetic gains to these resources. Underscoring the importance of collaborations at various scales, we call for continued global coordination and partnerships on the internationally agreed activities for conserving effectively and deriving the most benefits sustainably from these irreplaceable resources.

Monitoring plant genetic resources for food and agriculture

2021 ◽  
pp. 55-80
Author(s):  
M. Ehsan Dulloo ◽  
◽  
Prishnee Bissessur ◽  
Jai Rana ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Diversity ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Genetic Resources ◽  
Plant Genetic Resources ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Food And Agriculture ◽  
Monitoring Strategies ◽  
Genetic Level ◽  
Development Goals

This chapter reviews the methodologies developed to assess the extent of diversity of PGRFA at species, variety, and genetic level and examines the efforts made at global level in monitoring them at different scales. Efforts have been made to halt the loss of biodiversity (including genetic diversity) by United Nations Organizations (FAO, UNEP, UN) at setting of global targets (second Global Plan of Action on conservation and sustainable use of PGRFA, Aichi Targets and Sustainable Development Goals) and indicators have been established to monitor progress towards them. Yet none of the targets on genetic diversity have been achieved, due to a lack of implementable monitoring system that would allow progress to be accurately monitored. Further research is needed to improve the methodologies for monitoring plant genetic resources, particularly at the varietal and genetic level. The chapter discusses the opportunities and challenges as well as provides recommendations for future conservation and monitoring strategies that may safeguard PGRFA for posterity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document