BEYOND DESERTS AND HIGHLANDS - GLOBAL

BEYOND DESERTS AND HIGHLANDS - GLOBAL
CELEBRATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF
CAMELIDS 2024Animal Production and Health SectionJoint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and AgricultureBackgroundCamelids, comprising camels (one humped dromedary and double humped Bactrian), llamas,
alpacas, vicugna and guanacos play an integral role in sustaining the livelihood of human societies
across diverse geographical regions. Their unique characteristics, including adaptability to harsh
climates, efficiency in resource utilization, and resilience to various diseases, make them valuable
assets in agriculture, transportation, and cultural practices. From the arid deserts where camels
have been indispensable companions for centuries to the high-altitude regions where alpacas and
llamas have been integral to indigenous communities, camelids contribute significantly to socioeconomy by providing milk, meat, fibre, draught and recreation.
In recent years, scientific advancements and a growing awareness of the need for sustainable and
resilient agricultural practices have led to increased interest in camelid research. These animals are
not only sources of meat, milk, and fibre but also offer valuable insights into genetic diversity,
disease resistance, and adaptation to changing climates. The United Nations declared 2024 the
International Year of Camelids seeking to highlight the role of camelids in global food security,
sustainable agriculture, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre
proposes to organize an international event to celebrate the “International Year on Camelids-
2024”.PurposeThe International Event on “Beyond Deserts and Highlands–Global Celebration of the
International Year of Camelids 2024” serves as a response to the growing global interest and the
need for a collaborative platform that brings together experts, researchers, policymakers, and
breeders to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and explore innovative solutions. The event
aligns with the global agenda for promoting biodiversity conservation, given the unique ecological
niches that camelids occupy. Recognizing the potential of camelids in sustainable agriculture,
ecotourism, and poverty alleviation, the event seeks to foster international collaboration and
partnerships that will contribute to the well-being of both camelid-dependent communities and the
broader global population.Objectives Facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge research, technological advancements, and best
practices in camelid science, husbandry, and management.
 Provide a platform for participants to network with fellow researchers, breeders and
policymakers, to share knowledge on various aspects of camelid husbandry, including
genetics, nutrition, health, and socio-economic impacts. Raise awareness about the significance of camelids in diverse fields and advocate for their
sustainable integration into global agricultural and economic systems.Event HighlightsPlenary session: Keynote address by an eminent expert in the field of camelid research and
husbandry.Technical Session: Covering diverse topics such as genetics, nutrition, health, socio-economic
aspects, and cultural significance of camelids.Panel Discussion: Engage participants in interactive discussions on emerging challenges and
opportunities in camelid management.Exhibition: Exhibits of camel products and services, posters on camel studies and researchLocation and DateWe propose hosting the International Event on “Beyond Deserts and Highlands – Global
Celebration of International Year of Camelids 2024” at Vienna International Centre, Vienna,
Austria on 10 June 2024.
DRAFT AGENDA:BEYOND DESERTS AND HIGHLANDS - GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF THE
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF CAMELIDS 2024
(10 June 2024, Vienna International Centre, CR6 & Rotunda)
SESSION A: TECHNICAL (CR6, 08:40 – 15:00)08:00 - 08:40 Arrival and Registration at VIC08:40 - 08:45
(CR6)Welcome Remarks:Ms Dongxin Feng, Acting Director of the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and
Agriculture, IAEA08:45 - 08:55
(CR6)Opening Remarks:Ms Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and
Applications, IAEA08:55 - 09:00
(CR6)Introduction of Event Program09:00 - 09:10
(CR6)Presentation of FAO – International Year of CamelidsMr Giacomo de’Besi, Animal Production Officer, International Year of Camelids
Secretariat, FAO09:10 - 9:40
(CR6)Plenary Session (Moderated by Ms Farai Muchadeyi, Section Head, Animal Production and Health, Joint FAO/IAEA
Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, IAEA)Keynote Address Camelids - Agile Genetic Resource in the Face of Climate ChangeMr Bernard Faye, Emeritus Scientist, The French Agricultural Research Centre for
International Development (CIRAD), FRANCE (20 mins)
Q&A session (10 mins)9:40 - 10:00 Coffee Break and Photo Session10:00 - 11:00
(CR6)Technical Session – Camel production systems and husbandry practices (Moderated by Mr Kathiravan Periasamy,
Livestock Geneticist/Breeder, Animal Production and Health, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food
and Agriculture, IAEA) Production System, Management Practices and Economic Significance of Camelids in AsiaMr Ved Prakash, Senior Scientist, Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National Research Centre on
Camel, INDIA (15 mins) Alpaca, Llama and Vicugna Production in Latin America –Challenges and OpportunitiesMr Gutierrez Reynoso Gustavo, Head of the Animal Breeding and Research and Outreach
Programme, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, PERU (15 mins) Camelids and Pastoralism in Africa – A Kenyan perspectiveMs Wilkister Nakami, Tutorial Fellow, University of Nairobi, KENYA (15 mins)
Panel Discussion with speakers (15 mins)11:00 - 11:15 Coffee Break
11:15 - 12:15
(CR6)Technical Session – Biodiversity, genomic advancements and breeding for sustainable camelid management
(Moderated by Mr Paolo Ajmone Marsan, Professor, Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition – DIANA,
ITALY) Camelid Genomics: An Update on Tools and Resources for ImprovementMr Kathiravan Periasamy, Livestock Geneticist/Breeder, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques
in Food and Agriculture, IAEA (15 mins) Beyond the Horizon: Assessing Biodiversity of Old & New World Camelid PopulationsMs Pamela Burger, Senior Researcher, Vienna Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, AUSTRIA
(15 mins) Assisted Reproductive Biotechnologies in Camel Breeding-Challenges and OpportunitiesMs Lulu Skidmore, Scientific Director, Camel Reproduction Centre, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
(15 mins)Panel Discussion with speakers (15 mins)12:15 - 13:30Lunch Break and Preparation of Posters and Exhibits13:30 - 14:30
(CR6)Technical Session – Current research on camel health and disease control (Moderated by Mr Viskam Wijewardana,
Laboratory Head Animal Production and Health, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food and
Agriculture, IAEA) Zoonotic viruses transmitted by dromedary camelsMr Norbert Nowotny, Professor, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna,
AUSTRIA (15 mins) R&D in Disease Detection and Diagnosis: Implications on Camel HealthMr William Dundon, Molecular Microbiologist, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in Food
and Agriculture, IAEA (15 mins) Control of Camel Diseases - Challenges and Way ForwardMr Habil. U. Wernery, Scientific Director, Central Veterinary Research Laboratory, UNITED ARAB
EMIRATES (15 mins)
Panel Discussion with speakers (15 mins)SESSION B: OPEN SESSION (ROTUNDA, 15:00 – 18:00)15:00 - 16:15
(Rotunda)Open session: Camel Connections - Socio-economic and cultural dimensions of camel rearing (Moderated by Ms
Farai Muchadeyi, Section Head, Animal Production and Health, Joint FAO/IAEA Centre of Nuclear Techniques in
Food and Agriculture, IAEA) Opening Remarks:Ms Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and
Applications, IAEA (5 mins) Opening Remarks from representatives of Permanent MissionsVoluntary: 4 Permanent Missions (20 mins) Camelids – The Heroes of Desert and HighlandsMs Ilse Kohler-Rollefson, Coordinator and Senior Advisor League for Pastoral Peoples, GERMANY and
Co-founder Camel Charisma, INDIA (15 mins) Camelids - Guardians of Resilience in the Face of Climate ChangeMs Ilona Gluecks, Head of Clinical Research Facilities and Clinical Research Offier,
International Livestock Research Institute, KENYA (15 mins)
Panel Discussion: Supporting Camel Herders – Way Forward (20 mins)16:15 - 18:00
(Rotunda) EXHIBITION – Exhibits on camel products and services
Permanent Mission of Peru - New world camelidsSOCIAL EVENT – Finger food and Drinks