CHALLENGES OF PROTECTING INDIGENOUS LIVESTOCK GENETIC RESOURCES AND ASSOCIATED TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE Ilse Koehler-Rollefson, League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development, Ober-Ramstadt, Germany

Domestic Animal Diversity The vast majority of breeds has been created by pastoralists and farmers Small-scale LK and pastoralists conserve „in-situ“ = „Guardians of livestock biodiversity“ „Guardians of livestock biodiversity“

Highly evolved breeding strategies Conserve and consolidate specific gene pools (breeds) Ensure diversity within herds Require „people-centered“, anthropological methods to be detected Have therefore remained largely invisible

Elements of IK-AB Breeding decisions Cognitive processes Breeding management Social mechanisms Cultural identity and rules

Cultural identity and stewardship Identity of some traditional cultures based on relationship with animals Feeling of responsibility for welfare of animals Especially pastoralists Examples: Raika - camel (+ cattle) Fulani, Maasai - cattle Tzotzil Indian - sheep

Social breeding mechanisms Socially embedded customs influencing the gene pool Taboos on selling female animals outside community Rules for passing on animals from one generation to next Sharing mechanisms

Selection criteria beyond productivity Ability to put on fat Good maternal behaviour Walking ability Drought resistance Drought resistance Love of owner Manageability

“Nauguna” “ 9” criteria used by Raika sheep breeders Wool production Milk production Good pedigree, true to breed Mothering abilities Height Good walker Fast growth rate Drought and famine resistant Beauty High birth weight Ability to endure and withstand pain

Contrast between indigenous and scientific animal breeding Indigenous breeding considers a variety of criteria Scientific breeding focuses on a limited number or even a single production trait→ high performance breeds

Livestock and poultry breeds, globally 6,379 livestock and poultry breeds Extinct 740 breeds Critical or endangered 1694 breeds Other 3945 breeds Source: FAO

Paradigm shift: Renewed interest in indigenous livestock breeds Local breeds more productive under low levels of inputs Most suitable foundation for livestock development in marginal environments Indigenous breeds have disease-resistance traits → interest to the livestock industries and scientists

The Advance of Genomics Research on livestock genetics has shifted to the molecular level. Genomes of four species (cattle, chicken, pig, sheep) have been completely or largely deciphered. Initially carried out with public funds in government institutions Now regarded as major business opportunity Animal industry is estimated to be worth $100 billion in US, and $ 240 billion globally.

Mapping of Genomes is expected by some to create a 5-10% efficiency improvement in the food business - achieved through improved feed conversion rates, faster growth rates, and higher retail yield Seen as a 5-10 billion dollar business opportunity for biotech companies.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) In genomics research, intellectual property rights are exercised as a matter of course and patents applied for immediately. Latest example: Monsanto‘s application in over 160 countries for a series of patents on pig-breeding.

History of Livestock Keepers’ Rights First mention at World Food Summit in 2002, in allusion to Farmers Rights in International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources Clarified in further meetings “Karen Commitment” Bellagio Brief Regional Pastoralists Gathering in Yabello, Ethiopia LIFE-Network Meeting in Sadri (Raj./India)

LKR= „Bundle of Rights“ # 1: Recognition of livestock keepers as creators of breeds and custodians of AnGRFA # 2: Recognition of the dependency of the sustainable use of traditional breeds on the conservation of their respective eco- systems #3: Recognition of traditional breeds as collective property, products of indigenous knowledge and cultural expression. #4:The right of the livestock keepers to make breeding decisions #5: Right of livestock keepers to participate in policy making processes on AnGRFA issues  #6: Support for training and capacity-building of livestock keepers and provision of services along the food chain.

National-International LIFE- Network Workshop February, 2007 Pastoralists hand over statement to India‘s Director of AnGR