Latest news with #InternationalYearofCamelids
Jordan Times
13-04-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Alia camel: symbol of Jordan's heritage, resilience
AMMAN — The United Nations declared 2024 the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024). Camels, llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos are an important source of livelihood for millions of families in deserts and mountainous rangelands around the world. Camelids play a vital role in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals related to the fight against hunger, the eradication of poverty, the empowerment of women, and the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. From providing milk, meat, fiber, and organic fertiliser to transporting products and people, camelids thrive where other livestock species cannot survive. Jordan In celebration of camels and Bedouin communities in Jordan, the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), under the patronage of Nizar Haddad (Researcher and former Director General of NARC), and in partnership with Nico Dingemans (founder of From Farm to Fork in Jordan) and Sami Allawama (founder of Camelera camel milk products), organised Ships of the Desert in May 2024 in Wadi Rum, the first IYC event in the Middle East and North Africa. Haddad also led the scientific research The Alia Camel of Jordan: a genetically distinct dromedary breed, which will be published soon, demonstrating that the Alia camels are genetically distinct and deserve preservation. Mohammed Araishi, camel expert at NARC and the Livestock Research Directorate, played a key role in this project. In October 2024, Dingemans and Allawama organised a second camelids event in partnership with FAO Jordan in Amman. In part one of this two-part article, Dingemans delves into the socioeconomic and gastronomic significance of camels and camel products, such as milk, cheese varieties, and meat, with contributions from Allawama, while part two (this article) explores the results of scientific and heritage research by Haddad, Araishi, and the research team. A unique breed in the heart of Jordan Among the diverse types of dromedaries, the Alia camel (locally known as 'Jamal Alia') is a genetically distinct breed found primarily in the arid landscapes of Wadi Araba in the south, and the Jordan Valley in the east. It captured the attention of scientists and cultural enthusiasts alike as recent advanced genomic research identified its' genetic uniqueness due to the exceptional endurance, high milk production, and adaptability to Jordan's diverse environments. Beyond its biological importance, the Alia camel holds a 'special' place in Jordanian culture and history, symbolising resilience, and ingenuity. Heritage written in stone The Alia camel has been a part of Jordan's history since ancient times, dating back to the Nabataean civilisation. Archaeological findings in Petra, including ancient carvings of camels in the Siq, reflect the essential role of camels as indispensable companions for trade and transportation across the Arabian Peninsula. Oral traditions attribute the Alia camel's lineage to the camels of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, further elevating its cultural importance among Jordanian Bedouins. In Jordan's Eastern Desert, rock art further depicts the enduring relationship between camels and Indigenous people of the region. These carvings, etched into the sandstone by early inhabitants, serve as a testament to the camel's importance in daily life and survival, and its' cultural significance is embedded in folklore and identity, social practices and artistic representation. Collaborative research and discovery The 'groundbreaking' research was made possible through the collaboration of several esteemed institutions, including NARC, the University of Jordan, and Victory Genomics. The Alia camel project I initiated as Haddad was supported by the National Centre for Research and Development of the Higher Council for Science and Technology of Jordan, following his prior genetic studies of local Awassi sheep, historical Mehras olive trees, and indigenous honeybee populations, showcasing Jordan's rich agricultural biodiversity. Why Alia camel stands out The study leveraged whole-genome sequencing (WGS), confirming that the Alia camel is genetically distinct from other dromedaries in the Arabian Peninsula. Its' phenotypic characteristics show remarkable traits, such as endurance and speed, high milk yield, adaptability and genetic distinction. This genetic distinctiveness is not due to geographical isolation but rather careful breeding practices in Jordan and the Alia camel's genetic diversity is comparable to or greater than other camel populations, emphasising its biological significance. Challenges, call for conservation Despite its resilience, the Alia camel faces numerous challenges, including habitat loss, modernisation, and a lack of formal recognition as a distinct breed. Conservation efforts are essential to preserving its legacy. Conservation matters due to several aspects related to cultural preservation, economic value, biodiversity. To ensure its survival, several steps must be taken, including official breed recognition, expanded research and monitoring, sustainable breeding, research expansion and public awareness. Page 2
Muscat Daily
28-01-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
FAO's portfolio in Oman grows 83% to $4.27mn
Muscat – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has deepened its collaboration with Oman achieving an 83% increase in the value of its projects. In 2024, FAO's portfolio in Oman grew to US$4.27mn, up from US$2.33mn in 2022, reflecting its expanded commitment to food security and sustainable development in the portfolio in Oman FAO's initiatives, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, target key areas such as climate resilience, apiculture, agricultural improvements, and value-added projects in fisheries and livestock. These efforts aim to strengthen local capacities and address food security challenges. Dr Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman, said, 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security.' In its drive to tackle climate challenges, FAO is working closely with Environment Authority to align its climate resilience programmes with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. These initiatives include restoring degraded land, promoting water conservation in agriculture, and integrating advanced technologies for climate adaptation and mitigation. FAO's efforts not only safeguard Oman's ecosystems but also bolster the resilience of communities to climate risks, setting a model for sustainable development in arid regions. FAO continues to promote initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting the critical role camelids play in food security and livelihoods in arid regions. The organisation emphasises the sustainable use and preservation of these animals, which are vital for the well-being of communities that depend on them. FAO's achievements in Oman are a result of strong partnerships with entities such as Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Environment Authority and Sultan Qaboos University, and collaborations with private-sector stakeholders.
Zawya
28-01-2025
- General
- Zawya
FAO Oman projects see 83% surge in value
Muscat: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly enhanced its collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, achieving an 83% increase in the total value of its projects. In 2024, FAO's project portfolio in the Sultanate of Oman reached a value of $4,276,985, compared to $2,335,819 in 2022. FAO's diverse range of projects, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, aims to bolster food security and strengthen local capacities. Key initiatives focus on climate resilience, apiculture, improving agricultural practices, and implementing value-added projects in the fisheries and livestock sectors. Dr. Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman commented: 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector, and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting the Sultanate of Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security." As part of its commitment to addressing climate challenges, FAO is collaborating closely with the Environment Authority to align its climate resilience initiatives with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. Through innovative programs, FAO supports the restoration of degraded lands, promotes water conservation in agriculture, and integrates advanced technologies to improve adaptation and mitigation practices. These efforts not only protect Oman's unique ecosystems but also enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related risks, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in arid regions. In addition to its work in Oman, FAO continues to promote global initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids. This celebration emphasises the vital role camelids play in enhancing food security and livelihoods in arid regions. It also highlights the importance of preserving and sustainably utilizing these animals to improve the well-being of communities that rely on them. FAO's success in Oman is driven by its close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), the Environment Authority (EA), and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as well as its strong partnerships with private sector entities such as Al Jisr Foundation, Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco), and Al Zubair Corporation. Together, these partnerships amplify FAO's impact and support Oman's vision for a sustainable and food-secure future. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
27-01-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
FAO Oman projects see 83% surge in value
Muscat: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has significantly enhanced its collaboration with the Sultanate of Oman, achieving an 83% increase in the total value of its projects. In 2024, FAO's project portfolio in the Sultanate of Oman reached a value of $4,276,985, compared to $2,335,819 in 2022. FAO's diverse range of projects, developed in partnership with the Omani government and private sector, aims to bolster food security and strengthen local capacities. Key initiatives focus on climate resilience, apiculture, improving agricultural practices, and implementing value-added projects in the fisheries and livestock sectors. Dr. Thaer Yaseen, interim FAO Representative in Oman commented: 'This year, as we celebrate FAO's 80th anniversary, we are proud to launch and implement numerous initiatives in close collaboration with the Omani government, private sector, and civil society. These efforts underscore our steadfast commitment to supporting the Sultanate of Oman in achieving sustainable development and food security." As part of its commitment to addressing climate challenges, FAO is collaborating closely with the Environment Authority to align its climate resilience initiatives with Oman's National Environmental Strategy. Through innovative programs, FAO supports the restoration of degraded lands, promotes water conservation in agriculture, and integrates advanced technologies to improve adaptation and mitigation practices. These efforts not only protect Oman's unique ecosystems but also enhance the resilience of communities to climate-related risks, setting a benchmark for sustainable development in arid regions. In addition to its work in Oman, FAO continues to promote global initiatives such as the International Year of Camelids. This celebration emphasises the vital role camelids play in enhancing food security and livelihoods in arid regions. It also highlights the importance of preserving and sustainably utilizing these animals to improve the well-being of communities that rely on them. FAO's success in Oman is driven by its close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), the Environment Authority (EA), and Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), as well as its strong partnerships with private sector entities such as Al Jisr Foundation, Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco), and Al Zubair Corporation. Together, these partnerships amplify FAO's impact and support Oman's vision for a sustainable and food-secure future.
