Responses
FAO reports: 50. At the 2008 FAO Conference, the important role of smallholders in the use, development and conservation of livestock resources was officially recognized. In response, the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture and the Intergovernmental Technical Working Group on Animal Genetic Resources are preparing an analytical assessment of this issue, and progress in the implementation of the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources was welcomed by the Forum in its latest session. Importantly, the assessment acknowledges the need for capacity-building and institutional support to address the particular needs of smallscale livestock production systems, while ensuring respect for the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local communities. FAO is also exploring other opportunities to implement relevant national legislation and international agreements.