The joint activities of FAO and UNEP in the field of animal genetic resources conservation and management in recent years have been most fruitful. The indigenous species and breeds of domestic livestock and poultry in the tropics are undoubtedly being threatened by the need for higher animal production, which often involves breed substitution or crossbreeding. There is an urgent need in this changing situation for rational planning and action to ensure both improved production and the preservation of the unique animal genetic resources of the tropics. Initiatives have been taken by FAO and UNEP to achieve these objectives in Africa, Asia and Latin America both by support of national government activities and by the creation of regional infrastructures. It is expected that these joint FAO/UNEP activities will continue to serve the interests of developing countries. The Joint Expert Panel is one of these ongoing fields of cooperation.
The FAO/UNEP Expert Panel on Animal Genetic Resources Conservation and Management held its second meeting in June 1986 in Warsaw, Poland. The first meeting of the Panel had been held in Rome, Italy in 1983. The Panel consists of 36 distinguished scientists whose expertise covers all the major disciplines within animal breeding and genetics, all the major species of domestic animals, and among them represents the major areas of the globe. The scientists are appointed in their individual capacities and not as representatives of governments or institutions. Funds did not permit all members of the Panel to attend. On this occasion 13 members of the Panel were assembled.
The meeting was convened by FAO and UNEP to take place in Warsaw at the same time as a scientific symposium organized on behalf of the European Association of Animal Production (EAAP) by the Polish Society of Animal Production (PSAP). This meeting addressed the issue of the use of small populations of domestic animals in the European context. Thus there was a meeting of minds and interchange of ideas which was particularly valuable as it brought into focus the methods and resources of both developing and developed countries concerning animal genetic resources utilization and preservation. The papers presented at both the FAO/UNEP Expert Panel meeting and at the EAAP/PSAP symposium are given in full in this volume.
Dr. Helen Newton-Turner of Australia was unanimously elected Chairman of the FAO/UNEP Expert Panel and thus provided valuable continuity with the first meeting of the Panel in 1983 and with the FAO/UNEP Technical Consultation in 1980, both of which she chaired. Dr. J. de Alba of Mexico, who also served as Vice-Chairman in 1983 was unanimously elected again.
The recommendations of the FAO/UNEP Expert Panel are given first in this publication, followed by the papers presented at the Panel meeting, and the papers given at the Symposium; in the Appendices supporting information relating to the activities of the Expert Panel is provided.
H.A. Jasiorowski
Director
Animal Production and Health Division, FAO