Paris, With the participation of delegations from more than 30 countries, the Camel Paris Parade kicked off today in Paris to celebrate the International Year of Camelids IYC24. The parade is organized by the French Federation for the Development of Camelids in France and Europe (FFDCFE) and the International Camel Organization (ICO) and sponsored by Saudi Camel Club and Saudi Ministry of Culture. The route of the parade stretches over some kilometers near the ChSteau de Vincennes in Paris.
The camel parade attracted the attention of people along the path, as they rushed to take photos with the camels and interacted with the delegations.
Countries participating in the parade include Algeria, Angola, Austria, Bahrain, Burundi, Canada, Chad, Czechia, Congo, England, France, India, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirate, United States, and others.
On a day before, in Janvry, a series of scientific discussions was at
tended by tens of participants who interacted with the discussions and presented their ideas to elevate the camel sector and start real actions towards joining global efforts in this regard.
‘We are honoured to have such a big number of delegations attending both the parade and panel discussions. This gives a clear signal of the commitment of different players to join their efforts in finding real solutions the chronic obstacles facing the sector., said Abdul Rahman Alaieedan, Secretary-General of the International Camel Organization (ICO).
He added: ‘We are looking forward to working together to highlight and elevate the social, economic, scientific, and cultural importance of the camel sector. Camels are an integral part of many cultures and ecosystems, and it is crucial that we come together to ensure their continued survival’.
In 2021, the United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024). The Year is to highlight how camelids are key to the livelihoods of millions of household
s across over 90 countries. From alpacas to Bactrian camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas and, camelids contribute to food security, nutrition and economic growth. They also hold a strong cultural significance for communities across the world.
“An event that has become global and which proves that camelids resonate throughout the world, a sort of global fraternity! I am very honoured to receive so many foreign delegations and to be supported with so much kindness on an idea that seemed crazy, and which is becoming a reality”, said Christian Schoettl, the President of the French Federation for the Development of Camelids in France and Europe (FFDCFE).
Camelids play a key role in the culture, economy, food security and livelihoods of communities in Andean highlands and in the arid and semi-arid lands of Africa and Asia, including indigenous peoples. Even in extreme climatic conditions they continue to produce fiber and nutritious food. Indeed, the International Year of Camelids presents a unique opportunity
to raise awareness of the role of camelids in building resilience to climate change – particularly in mountains and arid and semi-arid lands.
The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to build awareness of the untapped potential of camelids and call for increased investment in the camelid sector, advocating for greater research, capacity development and the use of innovative practices and technologies.
Source: Saudi Press Agency