The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources: its History and Future

Abstract Text: Genetic resources for food and agriculture are global public goods that contribute to the livelihoods of billions of people worldwide and are critical for ensuring long-term global food security. To promote the wise management of these resources, the member countries of FAO developed and adopted the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources in 2007. The Global Plan of Action has 23 Strategic Priorities for Action, divided across four Strategic Priority Areas, 1) Characterization, inventory and monitoring of trends and associated risks; 2) Sustainable use and development; 3) Conservation; and 4) Policies, institutions and capacity-building. FAO has been charged with supporting countries in implementation of the Global Plan of Action and monitoring progress achieved. Considerable headway has been made, but continued efforts, including increased international collaboration are required to ensure the optimal management of this valuable source of biodiversity.

Keywords: Animal genetic resources, management, policy