Mongolia Proposes “World Association of Bactrian Camels” as UN Declares 2024 International Year of Camelids
In an effort to safeguard the gene pool of Bactrian camels and promote the heritage and culture of camel breeding, Mongolia has initiated the establishment of the "World Association of Bactrian Camels".
The United Nations General Assembly has concurrently declared 2024 as the International Year of the Camelid, underscoring the global significance of these remarkable creatures.
The opening ceremony for the International Year of Camelids in Mongolia took place at the Natural History Museum, organized by the UN Office in Mongolia and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry. The event, as reported by TuraNews.kz with reference to Montsame.mn, was a momentous occasion attended by key dignitaries, ambassadors, and experts.
Mongolia’s proposal for the International Year of Camelids gained support during the Dairy Asia international discussion, jointly organized by the FAO and the Government of Mongolia last year. The primary objectives include the protection of the Bactrian camel gene pool, the global dissemination of camel breeding heritage and culture, and the enhancement of economic gains through responsible breeding practices.
Notable attendees at the opening ceremony included UN Permanent Representative Tapan Mishra, FAO Permanent Representative Vinod Ahuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs Battsetseg Batmonkh, and ambassadors from the United States, Türkiye, China, and the European Union. The event also welcomed the participation of scientists, researchers from State Agricultural University institutes, and representatives from companies such as Oyu-Tolgoi, Suu, Khanbogd Cashmere, Zu Zu, and Sansiro. To showcase the versatility of camel resources, a mini-exhibition featuring camel wool products was organized as part of the ceremony.
