Rome, The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasized its ongoing support for the camelid sector to contribute to the sustainable transformation of livestock, led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Kingdom highlighted that camels play a significant role in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) related to combating hunger, eradicating poverty, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
These views came during the Kingdom’s speech at the FAO Council meetings on the International Year of Camelids 2024 in Rome. The speech was delivered by 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, Eng. Ahmed bin Saleh Al-Ayada, who led the Saudi delegation consisting of several government entities that are members of the committee.
Eng. Al-Ayada indicated that Saudi Arabia is honored to chair the steering committee for the International Year of Camelids 2024,
in collaboration with Bolivia, as a recognition of its efforts in supporting this vital sector.
Such support, he said, includes launching initiatives, programs, and festivals that serve the camelid sector, which represents a rich cultural and heritage legacy, under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He noted that the Kingdom has provided financial support for the International Year of Camelids, amounting to over $844,000.
Additionally, he said the Kingdom has introduced research grants under the name “Camel Studies Grant,” aimed at studies focusing on the camelid sector to aid in its development and sustainability. These grants will be available to researchers worldwide, he noted.
Source: Saudi Press Agency