Pastoralists frequently come into conflict with conservationists who accuse them of causing overgrazing and soil erosion. But that is far from the truth, according to recent research. On the contrary, pastoralists are often custodians rather than destroyers of biodiversity and the environment.

LPP is organizing a workshop on “Enhancing the role of pastoralism in the conservation of dryland eco-systems” at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Barcelona on 7 Oct 2008.

The evening workshop will feature presentations by pastoralists and experts with hands-on experience in India, Tanzania, Mongolia and Spain.

The workshop will provide pastoralist support groups with information and assistance in making their case, as well as give conservation practitioners insights into the role and potential of pastoralists in conserving drylands. The purpose is to distil some best practices about the integration of pastoralists into conservation efforts.

More information

LPP member Evelyn Mathias gave a presentation on the role of livestock keepers in the conservation of farm animal diversity and the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources at a meeting of European national coordinators on animal genetic resources in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 21 August 2008.

Click here to view her presentation 151 kb.

The 2007 Annual Report of the League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development is now available here.

The lead article describes the League’s role in advocacy for Livestock Keepers’ Rights.

“Intellectual property rights on animal genetic resources are an issue that is now on the international agenda”, says the report. “Due to the Livestock Keepers’ Rights movement, pastoralists and other livestock keepers will be seen as legitimate stakeholders with an interest in policy development regarding intellectual property rights on animal genetic resources. Much remains to ensure they are automatically involved in such decision making, but we are on the right road.”