(AGENPARL) - Roma, 30 Novembre 2023 - (AGENPARL) – gio 30 novembre 2023 International Year of Camelids 2024
FAO to host global opening ceremony on 4 December 12:30-14:00 (CET)
Camelids are present in over 90 countries and range from alpacas to Bactrian camels, llamas, dromedaries, guanacos, vicuñas and wild camels. South American camelids are considered unique indigenous mammals on the continent. Bactrian camels and dromedaries, called “ships of the desert” due to their ability to survive in challenging circumstances, are crucial for nomadic life and communities living in drylands.
The launch ceremony for the International Year of Camelids 2024 will take place at FAO headquarters as a hybrid event on 4 December, 12:30-14:00 (CET).
The Year is set to raise awareness about the contribution of camelids to livelihoods, food security and nutrition. These extraordinary animals exist in challenging ecosystems and have the potential to enhance food security and strengthen climate resilience, particularly in arid and semi-arid lands.
Optimizing camelid products and uses such as meat, milk, fibre and means of transport, can help increase income and resources to support sustainable livelihoods of communities around the world, including Indigenous Peoples.
In addition to recognizing the economic, social and cultural importance of camelids, the Year will encourage governments and stakeholders alike to increase investments in the camelid sector along with programmes and projects to bolster sustainable livelihoods everywhere.
The hybrid event will be webcast here.
Participants include:
Opening remarks/keynote speakers:
• QU Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO
• David Choquehuanca Céspedes, Vice President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia
• Mohammed Ahmed M. Alghamdi, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to FAO, Saudi Arabia
• Gerardine Mukeshimana, Vice President of International Fund for Agricultural Development
• Pamela Burger, Vice President of International Society of Camelid Research and Development
Panelists:
• Celinda Sosa Lunda, Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Plurinational State of Bolivia
• Jennifer Contreras Álvarez, Minister, Ministry of the Agrarian Development and Irrigation, Peru
• Neena Malhotra, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to FAO, India
• Kaba Urgessa Dinssa, Minister Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative to FAO, Ethiopia
• Faisal Muthyib A. Alsubaie, CEO of National Livestock and Fisheries Development Program, Saudi Arabia
• Nagi Ichidou, Dromedary producer and President, Tiviski Dairy, Mauritania
Closing Remarks
• Maria Helena Semedo, Deputy Director-General of the FAO
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