A BRIEF OVERVIEW ON CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ALBANIAN ANIMAL GENETIC RESOURCES FOR FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Kristaq KUME, Lumturi PAPA

Abstract

Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture are one of the great national assets of Albania. This genetic fund comprises about 35-40% of biodiversity. The sustainable and effective preservation and use of this wealth is a task that requires the permanent commitment of society in general, government, local government, and the farming community, in particular. In fulfilling this task, the Albanian legislative body has drawn up a legal framework aligned with the requirements and standards of international and FAO documents. The Government and the Ministry of Agriculture have made efforts, but not always with the same commitment and in continuity, to fulfill the obligations arising from the ratification of the Biodiversity Convention, Nagoya Protocol, Interlaken Declaration, etc. Through these documents, the Albanian Government has compiled a National Strategy and National Action Plan for the conservation and sustainable use of animal genetic resources. The implementation of these strategic documents is a critical process. Currently, there are no active institutions, bodies, or operational units for their implementation. There is a lack of support with public funds for the implementation of programs for in-situ and ex-situ. The Albanian autochthonous genetic fund consists of native, traditional, and local breeds of dairy cattle, buffalo, poultries and goats, pigs, poultry, ungulates, and dogs. In most of them, these breeds are considered to be in danger of disappearing. Among the main factors causing this situation, economic factors, emigration of the population to urban areas and abroad, and their displacement and/or crossing with animals of improved, exotic breeds can be singled out. Facing the challenges generated by the actions of these factors makes it necessary to implement urgent programs and projects, the success of which is conditioned not by the support for their implementation but by the sustainable economic effect that can be achieved through their implementation. This fact is evidenced by the project for the in-situ conservation of native pig breeds, as a success story, and the program for the conservation of buffaloes as a story where success is missing.

Pages: 120 - 131