Saudi Arabia Concludes Successful Presidency of the International Year of Camelids 2024, Highlighting Sector’s Vital Role in Food Security and International Cooperation
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – On July 2nd, 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) marked the conclusion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the International Year of Camelids (IYC) 2024. This significant milestone was celebrated with a renewed emphasis on the crucial role camelids play in achieving global food security and fostering robust international collaboration.
Throughout 2024, Saudi Arabia spearheaded a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the immense value of camelids – including camels, llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas – and promoting their sustainable development and utilization. The Kingdom’s leadership in this endeavor underscored its deep-rooted heritage and ongoing commitment to the camelid sector, which holds profound cultural, economic, and environmental significance, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
The IYC 2024, under Saudi Arabia’s stewardship, facilitated a broad spectrum of activities aimed at highlighting the unique contributions of camelids. These included scientific conferences, research symposia, policy dialogues, and public awareness campaigns. The focus was consistently placed on the remarkable resilience of camelids in challenging environments, their ability to thrive on sparse vegetation, and their provision of essential resources such as milk, meat, fiber, and transportation.
A key takeaway from the concluded year of activities is the undeniable link between the camelid sector and the global pursuit of food security. In many parts of the world, camelids represent a critical lifeline for communities, offering a sustainable and nutritious food source that is adaptable to changing climatic conditions. Their low environmental footprint compared to other livestock further solidifies their importance in building resilient food systems for the future.
Furthermore, the IYC 2024 served as a powerful catalyst for strengthening international cooperation. By bringing together scientists, policymakers, herders, and international organizations, the Kingdom fostered a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions for the advancement of the camelid sector worldwide. This collaborative spirit is essential for addressing common challenges, such as market access, disease management, and the development of value-added products.
Saudi Arabia’s successful presidency of the IYC 2024 reflects its dedication to promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of rural communities. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture expressed its gratitude to all participating nations, international organizations, and stakeholders for their active involvement and contributions throughout the year. The legacy of the IYC 2024 is expected to continue to inspire and drive progress in the camelid sector, ensuring its vital role in addressing global challenges for generations to come.
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mewa.gov.sa published ‘المملكة تختتم رئاستها للسنة الدولية للإبليات 2024م وتؤكد أهمية القطاع في تحقيق الأمن الغذائي وتعزيز التعاون الدولي’ at 2025-07-02 00:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.