The loss of farm animal genetic diversity became a major environmental issue during the course of the twentieth century. Numerous indigenous farm animal breeds have been replaced by commercial breeds alongside the modernisation of agriculture across the world. Indigenous farm animal breeds are mainly raised in marginal agricultural areas. Yakutian cattle are an indigenous Siberian cattle breed in the Russian Far East, which have a low output, but valuable characteristics that confer adaptation to the northern environment. This article identifies and analyses various spaces of conservation of the cattle, examines the power relationships within and between these spaces and discusses their implications for governance. The conservation of Yakutian cattle is embedded in the international agenda, which has been partly adopted by the Russian Federation. However, it is the Republic of Sakha and the Yakutian Institute of Agricultural Research that organise the conservation of Yakutian cattle de facto based on the law. The local communities in the Eveno-Bytantay district are responsible for practical conservation work in private households and the state [ farm] enterprise. We suggest that although the cattle seem to be safeguarded, the current conservation policy does not support sustainable conservation in the long term.
In this research, Finnish actors engaged in the conservation and sustainable use of local breeds on different levels and sectors were interviewed to find out how breeds are valued by different stakeholders and what kinds of policies and practices are preferred in their conservation and sustainable use; and which also gives rise to some ethical concerns. Four storylines based on sustainable use vs. conservation and service-based vs. production-based dimensions were derived from the research data. The research revealed a broad diversity of perceptions of the aims and means of conservation and sustainable use. Some stakeholders brought up different possibilities regarding the different means of in situ conservation. Yet, many were strictly in favour of conservation and against sustainable use. Moreover, in questions of ownership, stakeholders differed in their opinions. The colliding views diversify the conservation and sustainable use of landraces but simultaneously constitute a challenge to finding common aims and means to it. Communication between stakeholders should be improved to enable actors, at the implementation level, to make long lasting commitments regarding the conservation and sustainable use of local breeds. Furthermore, animals should be regarded as conservation actors, in addition to people and organisations.
Native breeds are domestic animal populations that have adapted to their habitats. The genetic value of breeds has been known for a long time, and recently more attention has been paid to their cultural value. Due to both ecological and cultural significance, it is important that native breeds continue to be bred in their native environments. This is supported by various financial support schemes. Support schemes rarely cover the financial gap in output compared to commercial breeds. A solution to this has been sought in special products, such as cheese or wool, and other businesses, such as animal-assisted care and tourism. Less attention has been paid to the role of administration and good governance in the maintenance of native breeds. In this study, a questionnaire was sent to all registered keepers of native breeds in Finland. This survey clarified their reasons for keeping native breeds and their ideas for improving governance structures and practices. The results were discussed in stakeholder workshops, and in a Nordic context. The results show that genetic and cultural values are recognised in several documents and programmes, but farmers need to be engaged more in the design of support schemes and practices.
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