"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."--Publisher description.

These guidelines present the basic concepts involved in the development and implementation of in vivo conservation plans for animal genetic resources for food and agriculture. The guidelines are intended for use by policy-makers in the management of animal genetic resources, managers of animal breeding organizations, persons responsible for training in management of animal genetic resources and any other stakeholders with leading roles in designing and implementing in vivo conservation programmes for animal genetic resources. Although individual breeders and livestock keepers are not the direct target audience, the guidelines include background information that is relevant for all stakeholders involved in planning conservation programmes.

The livestock sector faces a range of challenges, including climate change, emerging diseases, competition for natural resources and evolving demand for animal-source foods, which is increasing globally, especially in developing countries. Genetic diversity of livestock is a key resource for allowing livestock keepers to address these challenges, but this diversity has been in a state of decline. The diminishing genetic diversity thus represents yet another obstacle for sustainable livestock production. Cryoconservation (i.e. ex situ – in vitro conservation) of genetic resources through gene banking provides one of the most powerful tools governments and other stakeholders have to manage genetic diversity in both the short and long term and thereby provide future generations with the tools to meet the challenges ahead. Gene banking genetic resources fits within the context of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which was developed and adopted by FAO Member Nations. Specifically, Strategic Priority 9 of the Global Plan of Action is “Establish or strengthen ex situ conservation programmes” and Strategic Priority 11 urges countries to “Develop approaches and technical standards for conservation. To assist countries in the implementation the Global Plan of Action, FAO worked with experts from around the world to prepare technical guidelines. In 2012 FAO published FAO Guidelines on Cryoconservation of animal genetic resources.Gene banking is a long-term effort that needs to be viewed in terms of decades rather than years, as demonstrated by similar systems for agricultural crops. The responsibility for establishing such resources lies squarely within governments’ roles of providing public goods and food security. Gene banking of animal genetic resources is a technology-intense undertaking and the associated technologies are in a continual state of research and development. The livestock sector also continues to evolve rapidly. Since the development and release of the previous guidelines, numerous changes have taken place. Critical among these is a greater appreciation of the opportunities for actively utilizing cryopreserved material to enhance management of in vivo populations, rather than as simply an “insurance policy” to protect breeds against extinction.This key development has led to further changes in gene bank management. First, interaction with users of the stored material has increased. This in turn has created a need to involve stakeholders more closely in the management of genetic collections and to better monitor and document the processes of gene banking to ensure quality management.

These guidelines are part of a series of publications produced by FAO to support countries in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources.

Based on information gathered mainly through national surveys, the study provides an overview of the main legal instruments governing the management of animal genetic resources at the national level. Relevant international and regional regulatory frameworks are also examined. As the policy debate on the management of animal genetic resources evolves in various fora, and as FAO develops the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources, the discussion on legal issues will take centre stage. The study aims to contribute to such discussion through a general assessment of the status of national regulatory frameworks and general recommendations for national legislation development

This book provides an overview of developments in the conservation and sustainable utilisation of Farm Animal Genetic Resources. It is based on presentations given at a conference on this subject co-organised by the British Society of Animal Science, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the Sheep Trust.