Sustainable use, development and conservation of the world's livestock genetic resources are of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. In recognition of the need to develop and effective framework for the management of these resources and to address the threat of genetic erosion, 109 countries came together in September 2007 at the first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture held in Interlaken, Switzerland. The Conference adopted the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources- which includes 23 strategic priorities for action to promote the wise management of these vital resources. The Global Plan of Action is the outcome of a country-driven process of reporting, analysis and discussion, which also resulted in the preparation of the State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the first comprehensive global assessment of livestock diversity and its management. The Conference also adopted the Interlaken Declaration on Animal Genetic Resources, which affirms countries' commitment to the implementation of the global Plan of Action and to ensuring that the world's livestock biodiversity is utilised to promote global food security and remain available to future generations.

This "in brief" version, intended for use by decision-makers and the wider public, presents a summary of the key findings of the main report (see above). Part 1 outlines the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector. Part 2 considers the livestock production systems of which animal genetic resources form a part. Part 3 - largely based on the 148 Country reports - is an assessment of institutional and human capacity in the field of animal genetic resources management. Part 4 presents the state of the art in terms of the methods available for the management of animal genetic resources. As well as providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community.

Sustainable management of the world's livestock genetic diversity is of vital importance to agriculture, food production, rural development and the environment. "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture" is the first global assessment of these resources. Drawing on 169 Country Reports, contributions from a number of international organizations and 12 specially commissioned thematic studies, it presents an analysis of the state of agricultural biodiversity in the livestock sector - origins and development, uses and values, distribution and exchange, risk status and threats - and of capacity to manage these resources - institutions, policies and legal frameworks, structured breeding activities and conservation programmes. Needs and challenges are assessed in the context of the forces driving change in livestock production systems. Tools and methods to enhance the use and development of animal genetic resources are explored in sections on the state of the art in characterization, genetic improvement, economic evaluation and conservation. The main findings of the report are summarized in "The State of the World's Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture - in brief," of which the Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish versions can be found on the attached CD-ROM and are also available separately in printed form. As well providing a technical reference document, the country-based preparation of "The State of the World" has led to a process of policy development and a "Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources," which once adopted, will provide an agenda for action by the international community. Published also in French.

Animal genetic resource diversity underpins the supply livestock products and services across a wide range of production environments. It promotes resilience and serves as a basis for adapting livestock management to changing conditions. It is vital to livelihoods of many of the world’s poor people. It can contribute to the delivery of ecosystem services such as landscape management and the maintenance of wildlife habitats. However, it is often undervalued, underused and under threat. This report updates the global assessment provided in the first report on The State of the World’s Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, published in 2007. It focuses particularly on changes that have occurred during the period since the first report was published. It serves as a basis for a review, and potential update, of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, which since 2007 has provided an agreed international framework for the management of livestock biodiversity. Drawing on 129 country reports, it presents an analysis of the state of livestock diversity, the influence of livestock-sector trends on the management of animal genetic resources, the state of capacity to manage animal genetic resources, including legal and policy frameworks, and the state of the art in tools and methods for characterization, valuation, use, development and conservation.

These guidelines were prepared to support countries in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources, the first international agreed framework for the management of biodiversity in the livestock sector, adopted in 2007. Preparing and implementing a national strategy and action plan will enable countries to translate the Global Plan of Action into an effective and comprehensive approach to the sustainable use, development and conservation of their animal genetic resources. It will enhance their efforts to increase food production and food security, reduce poverty and promote rural development. Also publsihed in French, Russian and Spanish.