Conservation of livestock and fish genetics resources: Joint report of two studies commissioned by the CGIAR Science Council

Genetic improvement of crop plants has been a mainstay of the CGIAR's approach to the enhancement of agriculture and research has been based on an integrated concept of conservation, characterisation and use of plant genetic resources. Programs of research on animal species (preponderantly domestic livestock and fish) have encompassed a number of approaches - such as animal health, sustainable production and farming systems research and ecosystem protection - which have included important elements of research on the conservation and use of animal genetic resources without establishing major programs or a critical scientific mass in these areas. Noting the apparent relevance of these areas to the long term success of integrated approaches to the alleviation of poverty through agriculture, and the growth of new international initiatives in these fields, the Science Council commissioned two companion studies to ascertain the requirements and potential future interventions that the CGIAR may make through research on the conservation, of livestock and fish genetic resources. The Reports were presented to, and considered by, the the Standing Panel on Priorities and Strategies during the third Meeting of the Science Council (SC3) in April 2005. This Commentary has been developed on the basis of those discussions and the deliberations of a specific Working Group which considered the Reports, and relevant aspects of the new Priorities, in detail.