Over a hundred countries came together in September 2007 at the first International Technical Conference on Animal Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in Interlaken, Switzerland and adopted the Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources. It comprises 23 strategic priorities for action to promote the wise management of these vital resources.

The Conference also adopted the Interlaken Declaration on Animal Genetic Resources, which affirms countries’ commitment to the implementation of the Global Plan of Action and to ensuring that the world’s livestock biodiversity is utilized to promote global food security and remains available to future generations.

Animal genetic resources represent a considerable source of food and livelihood security for families and communities across West and Central Africa. CORAF collaborates with governments, regional economic communities, and civil society organizations to turn this sector into financial security activities for smallholder farmers.

Thanks to funding from the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), CORAF undertakes work to support animal genetic resources in eight West African countries.