The sustainable use of the diversity of local breeds, as well as their conservation and development, are vital for agriculture, food production, preservation of rural areas, protection of environment and landscape, and ultimately for the survival of our own species. Nevertheless, the erosion of this diversity, linked to the mechanization and agricultural intensification that exploded after the Second World War, is still ongoing. This manual presents the main doctrinal concepts and concrete operational techniques for the protection of this biodiversity of local breeds in a simple way, with insights and examples in specific sections. It is aimed at a diversified audience, from university students and researchers, to breed associations, managers of protected areas, consortia of animal products, politicians and technicians from Regions and Ministries, with the aim of encouraging collaboration between different sectors and the development of a common interdisciplinary vision. The ambition is also to make the problem of safeguarding domestic breeds known to a wider and more general audience of curious and passionate.