Raika Samaj Panchayat. 2009. Raika biocultural protocol. Lokhit Pashu Palak Sansthan, Sadri, Rajasthan, India.

This declaration by the Raika pastoralists of Rajasthan, India, details the livestock breeds they have developed, their traditional knowledge about their animals, and their lifestyle in relation to their environment.

A biocultural protocol is a new way for livestock keepers to assert their claim to the breeds they have developed, as well as to traditional rights and intellectual property associated with their animals.

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Biocultural community protocols document livestock keepers’ contribution to conserving the environment and their livestock breeds. Indian filmmaker Moving Images has made two videos on this new approach.

Video 1: Biocultural protocols and access and benefit sharing

Video 2: Developing biocultural protocols among the Raika (India) and Samburu (Kenya)

LPP is co-organizing two meetings in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India, on 24 and 25 February 2010 to discuss the future of livestock keepers.

National Consultation for Saving the Camel, 24 February

Organized by Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan and the Jaisalmer Camel Development Society. Government, private enterprise, NGOs, scientists, camel lovers and all who feel concerned are cordially invtied to discussions, brainstorming, camel competitions and camel product demonstrations.

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Biocultural Community Protocols for Livestock Keepers, 25 February

Biocultural protocols are a new method of documenting livestock keepers’ contribution to maintaining breeds and conserving the environment. Organized by LIFE Network India, the Rain-fed Livestock Network, and Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan, this meeting is an opportunity to share experiences with the development of biocultural protocols, identify the potential and pitfalls, and better understand their implications for local livestock keepers.

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