This study seeks to investigate the cornerstones of an international access and benefit-sharing regime for animal genetic resources that would be fair and equitable as well as workable, considering the distinctive features of animal genetic resources, as well as the urgent need for maintaining and conserving domestic animal diversity for future generations.

Various stakeholder groups have different opinions on access and benefit-sharing. Governments are mostly concerned with developing the right kind of material transfer agreements and preventing any disruption in the flow of animal genetic resources. They also see the need for addressing Livestock keepers’ Rights and support (Biocultural) Community protocols, as stipulated by the Nagoya protocol. Among scientists, some are worried that their access to research materials may be jeopardized; others warn about the deleterious impact of the indiscriminate export of exotics into developing countries threatening the integrity of local breeds. Indigenous and local livestock keepers have been advocating for fair and equitable benefit-sharing since 2003, requesting for their breeds to be recognized as product of their traditional knowledge and as community property.

While the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources provides a comprehensive framework for the management of animal genetic resources, the Nagoya protocol adds important dimensions. By mandating prior informed consent and mutually agreed terms not only by provider countries but also by local and indigenous communities it enforces Strategic Priority 5 of the Global Plan of Action to support indigenous and local production systems and associated knowledge systems of importance to the maintenance and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.

The components of a specific international regime for animal genetic resources are suggested, including the need for the decoupling of benefits from specific cases to sharing and managing benefits on a collective basis. The ‘International Regime’ would include support for community protocols by communities that conserve specific breeds and agro-ecosystems, creation of a ‘Community breed repository’ (in analogy to the Global Seed Vault), enactment of Livestock keepers’ Rights and the establishment of a benefit-sharing fund. Provisions would have to be made to protect traditional knowledge with respect to animal genetic resources to put it on an even footing with scientific knowledge and give it protection. Recommended is also the regular use of genetic impact assessments as well as a monitoring mechanism.