NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR THE CONSERVATION AND UTILISATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES

The programme was established in 1996 by the Ministry of Agriculture to guarantee the conservation of genetic diversity of domesticated animal species traditionally bred in the Czech Republic. It covers cattle, horses, pigs, sheep and goats, chickens and waterfowls, honey bees and fish in aquacultures.
In 2016, the IAS has been appointed as The National Centre for Genetic Resources to coordinate and implement the National Programme, together with a range of stakeholders.

The key activities of the National Centre are:

• ongoing monitoring of genetic resources in connection with an early warning system to prevent the risk of livestock diversity loss
• facilitation of long term ex situ conservation by development and breeding of special conservation herds (living gene banks) and cryopreservation
• research to facilitate characterisation, evaluation and scientifically sound and cost-effective breeding programmes
• education, promotion and raising of public awareness
• dealing with the agenda of supports provided for the breeding of genetic resources and inspection of supported program participants
• representing the Czech Republic in international activities and cooperation