The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity commits it signatory countries to protect and encourage customary use of biological resources in accordance with traditional cultural practices that are compatible with conservation and sustainable use requirements (Article 10c). Many traditional pastoralist communities would qualify for support by their governments. Alas, in reality, they are generally ignored or scorned upon by policy makers. On 19-23 May 2008, the government parties to the Convention will meet in Bonn, Germany, to discuss progress in implementing the Convention. Parallel to the official meetings, a Planet Diversity event will bring together grassroots organizations that promote cultural and biological diversity. The League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development and Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan (India) will use the opportunity to lobby for an official acknowledgment of the role of pastoralists in conserving various aspects of biodiversity, including those of domestic animals, certain wild plants and animals, as well as landscapes. LPP and its partners have gained allies among shepherds in Germany, who often get paid to herd sheep on land to maintain its biodiversity. Another strong supporter is the LIFE Network for community-based conservation of animal genetic resources. More information Convention on Biological Diversity (official government meetings)Planet Diversity (parallel event)

The Raika camel pastoralists of Rajasthan were featured on the German TV travel programme VOXTours on 26 January 2008. The programme highlighted the work of LPP project coordinator Ilse Koehler-Rollefson and LPP's partner organization Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan to develop alternative sources of income for the Raika.

An article in the first issue of News from Drynet contains a call for rewarding pastoralists for their environmental services. The article, by LPP's Ilse Koehler-Rollefson, stresses the need to maintain livestock diversity. "Studies have shown that drylands have produced a disproportionately high number of well known breeds which are basically the result of the efforts and the indigenous knowledge of pastoralists," says Ilse. "Scientific programmes to increase drought resistance of organisms are funded with millions of dollars," she says. "Yet the day-to-day efforts of pastoralists to keep and develop animals under drought conditions and thereby sustain crucial gene pools – that will prove priceless during climate change - remain entirely unrewarded." The Drynet project, funded by the European Union, involves 14 partner organizations around the world. Download newsletter 1.2 Mb

Rajasthan Chief Minister commits to camels < LPP's Ilse Koehler-Rollefson (right) discusses with Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhra Raje 11 January 2008 was the first death anniversary of Bhopala Ram Raika, a famous leader of the Raika camel pastoralists of Rajasthan. Thousands of Raika gathered to mark the event, with Vasundhra Raje, Chief Minister of Rajasthan, as guest of honour. Ilse Koehler-Rollefson of the League for Pastoral Peoples and Endogenous Livestock Development, and Hanwant Singh, director of Rajasthan NGO Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan, also attended. Ilse was invited to give a speech to the political dignitaries and a crowd of Raika estimated at 5000-7000 people. She recalled that Bhopala Ram Raika had introduced her to the Raika community in 1992, laying the foundation of LPP's and LPPS's work in Rajasthan. LPP later invited him to an international meeting in Tanzania and a tour of a camel farm and dairy in Kenya. Hanwant and Ilse had the opportunity to meet the chief minister and brief her about the needs of camel pastoralists in the state. Vasundhra Raje promises support for camels During her speech, the Chief Minister held up a copy of a Drynet newsletter with an article about a visit by a Raika delegation to Switzerland and Spain. Their visit had been arranged by LPP and LPPS as part of efforts to promote the rights of livestock keepers. The newsletter is part of LPPS's contribution to the European Union-funded Drynet project, a worldwide initiative to combat land degradation. "This is how far the Raika can go", she said, promising support for camels, which are iconic animals in Rajasthan.  Thousands of Raika commemorated the death of Bhopala Ram Raika The following day, the Rajasthan Patrika newspaper carried a special article in Hindi about the state government's commitment to save the camel. More information Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan Drynet Drynet newsletter 1.2 Mb