Loss
of genetic resources
LB-7
Loss
of Biodiversity
Pressure
1 Indicator
definition and unit of measurement
NB:
This indicator is a combination of “Loss of genetic resources -
non-utilisation of available crop species and varieties” and “Loss
of genetic resources - non-utilisation of available livestock genetic
pool”. The aggregated indicator relates to non-utilisation of available
crop and livestock species and varieties and thus indicates the erosion of
genetic diversity through: (i) reduction of number of crop/livestock species
used, (ii) reduction of the range of varieties and cultivars and (ii) the
promotion of genetic homogenisation.
2 Placement
in the framework
5EAP:
Chapter
4: Selected target sectors, section 4.4: The agriculture sector.
Agenda
21:
Chapter
14: Promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development, section G:
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant genetic resources for food
and sustainable agriculture (§ 14.54); section H: Conservation and
sustainable utilisation of animal genetic resources for sustainable agriculture
(§14.65).
International
conventions and agreements:
Convention
on Biological Diversity (Rio de Janeiro, 22nd June 1992): Article 15.
Ranking:
Core
ranking:
7
(29%)
Policy
Relevance:
18
(2.2)
Analytical
Soundness:
16
(2.5)
Responsiveness:
14
(2.5)
Most
appropriate related state indicators:
Available
genetic resources.
3 Significance
Purpose:
The
indicator measures the proportion of genetic resources which are not being
used. Non-use has historically tended to result in loss and this trend can be
expected to continue. The erosion of genetic diversity has significant adverse
consequences for development of sustainable agriculture.
Relevance:
Genetic
resources will contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture
required to supply the food requirements of an uncertain future. It is
necessary to ensure the preservation of genetic resources in the long-term
without hindering the biological, social and economic mechanisms which ensure
their continued maintenance.
Linkages
to other pressure indicators:
LB-3:
Agricultural intensity; LB-6: Change in traditional land use.
Targets:
5EAP:
Protection of all endangered animal races.
4 Methodological
description and underlying definitions
Underlying
definitions and concepts:
The
erosion of genetic diversity has significant adverse consequences for
development of sustainable agriculture, this indicator measures the pressure of
agriculture on biodiversity through genetic impoverishment.
Measurement
methods:
Standardisation
of objectives and data collection methods regarding the development of national
genetic databases.
Limitations
of the indicator:
Data
availability is a major obstacle.
Alternative
definitions:
The
contribution of indigenous species/varieties to commercial production.
