2024-09-17 23:06:35
The Regional Meeting on South American Camelids, organized in Bolivia, highlights the cultural, social, economic and ecological importance of these animals, as well as ways to protect and develop the camelid sector.
La Paz/Rome -The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reaffirmed this Monday its commitment to the protection and sustainable development of the camelid sector in collaboration with Bolivia, within the framework of the Regional Meeting on South American Camelids that is celebrated . in the country of the Andes on the occasion of the International Year of the Camel 2024.
The event, with the slogan Feed life, preserve the future, emphasizes Bolivia’s leadership in promoting the cultural, economic, ecological and social importance of the South American camelids. At the same time, it looks for ways to protect camelids and their habitats, as well as the communities that depend on them.
Bolivia led the initiative to promote an International Year for these animals and was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. The Andean nation, along with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, plays a central role in in force. The Year aims to raise awareness of the central role camels play in the lives of indigenous, indigenous and peasant communities in more than 90 countries, particularly in desert and mountain regions.
FAO, as the main agency of the UN in this commemoration, launched the Year at its headquarters in December 2023. FAO Director General QU Dongyu attended the opening session on Monday in La Paz together with the President of Bolivia, Luis Alberto Arce Catacora.
QU highlighted the cultural and environmental importance of camelids, reiterating the need to protect these species and the ecosystems they inhabit.
“Throughout 2024, we have been working together to raise awareness of the potential of camelids and to increase investment in research and extension to develop the camelid sector. “It is vital that we continue to work together after 2024 to sustainably develop the camelid sector as it has untapped potential to help advance global efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs .”
Also present were the Vice President of Bolivia, David Choquehuanca, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Celinda Sosa Lunda, and the Minister of Rural Development and Lands, Juan Yamil Flores.
The meeting brought together governments, camelid producers, international organizations and academic experts to address the sector’s challenges. The event served as a platform to foster international cooperation and exchange knowledge on sustainable practices to protect camels, their habitats and the communities that depend on them.
The vital role of camels in the highlands of the Andes
Bolivia’s advocacy is closely aligned with several Key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on poverty eradication, food security, gender equality, water management and climate action.
In South America in particular, camelids, such as llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and guanacos, have been vital to communities for thousands of years, providing not only economic resources, but also cultural and symbolic value. South American camels are an integral part of national strategies to reduce food insecurity, malnutrition and rural poverty. 200,000 families raise and manage these animals in the highlands of the Andes. In Bolivia, for example, llamas are a vital source of meat and wool. Despite the high value of many products, the sector faces social and economic challenges.
The Bolivian initiative focuses on the sustainable management of camelid species, which are vital in areas at risk of desertification and environmental damage. Camelids are well adapted to these fragile ecosystems, with low environmental impact and efficient grazing. However, they face threats such as habitat loss, poaching and climate change. The Regional Meeting sought to address these challenges with innovative solutions and collaborative strategies.
FAO is working in a number of ways to support camelid production and management around the world. In Bolivia, for example, the Organization works with the government and local communities to promote the sustainable and equitable management of alpaca fibers.
By promoting the sustainable management of these animals, EBT contributes to preserving these ecosystems and protecting the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. The Organisation’s work with camels is a key part of its wider efforts to promote sustainable livestock management and rural development.
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