Saudi Arabia Backs Global Camelid Sector for Sustainability

Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to the global camelid sector, emphasizing the animal’s vital role in sustainable livestock transformation and the achievement of international development goals. The Kingdom’s position was presented during the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council meetings on the International Year of Camelids 2024, held in Rome, where a Saudi delegation led by Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Agriculture and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024, outlined a series of initiatives, research grants, and financial contributions designed to strengthen the sector worldwide.

Context and Background

The United Nations designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids to recognize the economic, cultural, and ecological importance of camels, llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos. These animals support the livelihoods of millions of people in more than 90 countries, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where alternative livestock options are limited. The FAO has highlighted that camelids contribute directly to food security, nutrition, and the sustainable management of fragile ecosystems.

Saudi Arabia, with its deep-rooted heritage in camel breeding and its modern ambitions for agricultural sustainability, was selected to co-chair the steering committee for the International Year alongside Bolivia. This recognition reflects the Kingdom’s longstanding investment in the camelid sector, which it views as both a cultural treasure and a vehicle for rural development, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship. Under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia has accelerated efforts to modernize the sector through research, technology, and international cooperation.

Key Details of Saudi Arabia’s Pledge

During the FAO Council meetings, Eng. Al-Ayada detailed a comprehensive package of support. The Kingdom has provided more than $844,000 in financial backing for the International Year of Camelids, underscoring its commitment to multilateral action. In addition, Saudi Arabia has introduced the Camel Studies Grant, a research funding initiative open to researchers worldwide. The grants aim to generate scientific insights into camelid health, genetics, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices, with the goal of enhancing productivity and resilience across the sector.

Eng. Al-Ayada noted that Saudi Arabia is honored to chair the steering committee, calling the camelid sector a rich cultural and heritage legacy. The Kingdom’s support also encompasses a wide array of festivals, programs, and initiatives that celebrate camelids while promoting their economic potential. These efforts align with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s broader strategy to balance livestock development with the preservation of natural resources.

Implications for Sustainable Development and Global Cooperation

Saudi Arabia’s emphasis on camelids directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to combating hunger, eradicating poverty, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. By championing camelid farming, the Kingdom helps communities in arid regions build climate resilience and diversify income sources. Camels, for instance, are uniquely adapted to harsh environments and require less water and feed than many other livestock species, making them a climate-smart alternative.

The research grants and international partnerships signal Saudi Arabia’s intent to lead by example, fostering knowledge exchange that can benefit pastoralists from Africa to South Asia and Latin America. The Kingdom’s collaboration with Bolivia and other FAO member states highlights a shared vision for inclusive, science-driven agricultural development. As the global community seeks solutions to desertification and food insecurity, Saudi Arabia’s proactive stance offers a model for integrating cultural heritage with modern sustainability goals.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s support for the camelid sector is firmly rooted in Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s transformative roadmap to diversify its economy, enhance quality of life, and strengthen its global standing. By investing in research, festivals, and international initiatives, the Kingdom not only preserves a cherished national symbol but also drives innovation in sustainable agriculture and rural development. The Camel Studies Grant and the Kingdom’s leadership on the International Year of Camelids exemplify how Saudi Arabia is turning its heritage into a platform for global cooperation, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity, reinforcing its role as a responsible and forward-looking leader on the world stage.

20 Questions

Q1. What did Saudi Arabia emphasize at the FAO Council meetings?

A1. Saudi Arabia emphasized its ongoing support for the camelid sector to contribute to sustainable livestock transformation, highlighting camels’ role in advancing Sustainable Development Goals related to hunger, poverty, and terrestrial ecosystems.

Q2. Where were the FAO Council meetings on the International Year of Camelids 2024 held?

A2. The meetings were held in Rome, Italy, where Saudi Arabia delivered its speech and presented its commitments to the international community.

Q3. Who led the Saudi delegation at the FAO meetings?

A3. The delegation was led by Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Agriculture and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024.

Q4. How much financial support has Saudi Arabia provided for the International Year of Camelids?

A4. Saudi Arabia has provided more than $844,000 in financial support for the International Year of Camelids, demonstrating its commitment to global efforts.

Q5. What is the Camel Studies Grant?

A5. The Camel Studies Grant is a research funding initiative introduced by Saudi Arabia, available to researchers worldwide, aimed at studies focusing on the camelid sector to aid in its development and sustainability.

Q6. Which country co-chairs the steering committee with Saudi Arabia?

A6. Bolivia co-chairs the steering committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024 alongside Saudi Arabia, reflecting collaborative international recognition.

Q7. Why are camelids important for sustainable development?

A7. Camelids contribute to food security, nutrition, and sustainable land management, supporting livelihoods in arid regions and helping combat hunger, poverty, and desertification.

Q8. How does Saudi Arabia’s support align with Vision 2030?

A8. It aligns by diversifying the economy, preserving cultural heritage, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing the Kingdom’s global role through research and international cooperation.

Q9. What role do camels play in Saudi culture?

A9. Camels are a rich cultural and heritage legacy in Saudi Arabia, celebrated through festivals and traditions, and are central to the Kingdom’s identity and rural economy.

Q10. Who is Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada?

A10. He is the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Agriculture and Chairman of the Steering Committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024.

Q11. What are the Sustainable Development Goals mentioned in the article?

A11. The goals include combating hunger, eradicating poverty, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, all of which camelids help advance.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia support camelid festivals?

A12. Saudi Arabia launches initiatives, programs, and festivals that serve the camelid sector, celebrating its heritage and promoting economic opportunities under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Q13. What is the significance of the International Year of Camelids 2024?

A13. It raises global awareness of camelids’ economic, cultural, and ecological importance, fostering international cooperation and investment in sustainable livestock practices.

Q14. How many countries benefit from camelids?

A14. More than 90 countries, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, benefit from camelids for food, income, and ecosystem management.

Q15. What government entities are involved in the Saudi delegation?

A15. Several government entities that are members of the steering committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024 participated in the delegation.

Q16. How does camelid farming help combat climate change?

A16. Camels are climate-smart animals that require less water and feed, making them resilient to harsh environments and helping communities adapt to climate challenges.

Q17. What is the goal of the Camel Studies Grant?

A17. The grant aims to fund research on camelid health, genetics, nutrition, and sustainable farming practices to enhance productivity, resilience, and sustainability across the sector.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia’s leadership benefit the global camelid sector?

A18. Saudi Arabia’s leadership fosters knowledge exchange, provides financial support, and promotes science-driven development, benefiting pastoralists and researchers worldwide.

Q19. What did Eng. Al-Ayada say about Saudi Arabia’s role?

A19. He said Saudi Arabia is honored to chair the steering committee, recognizing its efforts in supporting the vital camelid sector through initiatives and programs.

Q20. What is the broader impact of Saudi Arabia’s camelid support?

A20. It strengthens global food security, advances sustainable development goals, preserves cultural heritage, and reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a responsible leader in international cooperation.

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