Developing the institutional framework for the management of animal genetic resources
FAO Animal Production and Health guidelines Series, Vol. 6

Following the development of the Global Strategy for the Management of Farm Animal Genetic Resources, FAO prepared Primary guidelines for the development of national farm animal genetic resources management plans (FAO, 1998). The primary guidelines were designed to help countries initiate the development and implementation of management programmes for their animal genetic resources for food and agriculture (AnGR). Experience gained over many years in the implementation of the Global Strategy and the subsequent adoption of an internationally agreed framework, the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (Global Plan of Action), has provided the initiative and basis for the development of these new guidelines, the objective of which is to assist countries in their efforts to implement the Global Plan of Action and to develop National Strategies and Action Plans for AnGR. The guidelines are divided into six sections: Section 1 provides an overview of the development of FAO’s AnGR programme. This section is meant for those who have become involved in the programme recently and would like a better understanding of the process that led to the adoption of the Global Plan of Action. Section 2 introduces the guidelines. Section 3 contains a general description of the global institutional framework for AnGR. Section 4 describes the roles and responsibilities of FAO as the Global Focal Point for AnGR and in providing services to FAO member countries in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action. Section 5 describes national institutional frameworks and the tasks and activities of a National Focal Point. Section 6 describes the status of development and operation of Regional Focal Points and provides advice on the process for their establishment. The guidelines are based on experience gathered in countries and in regions since the initiation of the FAO’s AnGR programme in the early 1990s. It includes personal contributions from many individuals who are or were actively involved in national and regional implementation of AnGR focal points and programmes.