The Kharai camel breeders from Kutch were among the proud recipients of a National Breed Saviour Award In a moving ceremony held at India's National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) in Chennai on 10th January, twenty livestock keepers received awards for their dedication to conserving indigenous breeds. In his speech, the secretary of the NBA, Mr. Reddy, emphasized the importance of Livestock Keepers' Rights and the need for every civilized country to implement this bundle of rights. More information about the award winners and the breeds that they steward is here.

On 22 nd February, the EU Commission, in collaboration with the African Union and the Center for Tropical Agriculture, organised an official briefing on African pastoralism. Lack of visibility of pastoralism and its role in food security was diagnosed as a major problem, but itwas extremely encouraging that the EU is giving the topic some attention.   More information here.

Some twenty livestock keepers will be honoured for stewarding the country's indigenous livestock breeds. They will receive a certificate and a cash award during a ceremony to be held at India' s National Biodiversity Authority in Chennai on 10th January. Prior to that, on 9th January, the LIFE Network India will hold a meeting to chart its future course of action. For more information, please contact Mr. Vivekanandan, SEVA, 45, T.P.M.Nagar, Virattipathu,Madurai - 625 010.Tamil Nadu, India. Phone: 0452 - 238 09 43 ; 238 00 82. E-mail vivekseva@gmail.com

LPP’s Ilse Köhler-Rollefson participated in a high-level meeting held in Thailand from 1-4th December, 2011 that sought to formulate a Global Agenda of Action for a Sustainable Livestock Sector. Hosted by the FAO and the Thai government, some 45 participants agreed on focusing on three particular themes that exemplify some of the problems bogging down the sustainability of livestock production worldwide.