International Year of Camelids 2024

Old and New World camelids are crucial to the food security of millions of people, either as a primary source of protein or as a basis for their economic security.

Both the Bactrian and dromedary camels, as well as the four South American species: the domestic (alpaca and llama) and the wild (vicuña and guanaco); They are of vital importance to guarantee food security and reduce levels of extreme poverty, by efficiently providing multiple products (meat, milk, fiber, skins, means of transport and tourism services) to vulnerable populations that historically inhabit inhospitable ecosystems of the South American Andes, Asian steppes and African deserts.

Camels and dromedaries are a fundamental part of the nomadic life system, in their natural ecosystems they are used as pack animals due to their hardiness, ability to survive and travel long distances in arid ecosystems. 

In South America, camelids arrived 3 million years ago, evolving into the four current species. The alpaca and the llama were domesticated 5 thousand years ago by the high Andean populations and together with vicuñas and guanacos, they constituted the main source of protein and clothing of animal origin in the continent in pre-Columbian times.

Nowadays the breeding and the management of this domestic and wild species involves approximately 200 thousand families that lives in the Andes Mountains, from Ecuador, to Tierra de Fuego.

On the other hand, in the high Andean lands and in the arid and semi-arid lands of Africa and Asia, camelids actively contribute to the creation and validity of ancestral practices and the socio-cultural vision of indigenous peoples. In addition, they constitute an important social base of the traditional and contemporary knowledge of these peoples, which have maintained, preserved and protected genetic biodiversity. 

In 2017, the United Nations established 2024 as the International Year of Camelids and commissioned the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to facilitate its implementation in collaboration with governments, the organizations involved, non-governmental organizations and all other stakeholders. 

The International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024) presents a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the role of camelids in contributing to poverty reduction through livelihood generation and sustainable food production for food security and nutrition.

The main objectives of the International Year of Camelids are:

• Make visible the role of camelids for food security, nutrition, and adaptation to climate change.
• Encourage actors and governments to recognize and value the economic, social and cultural importance of camelids.
• Highlight the need to promote responsible investment for the development of the sector.

Likewise, the International Year of Camelids is an opportunity to work together to promote the sustainable development of camelid management and livestock, which is key to the food security, nutrition and well-being of millions of people around the world. The integrated management of camelid products will promote the inclusion of the societies involved and contribute to creating sustainable employment, as well as promoting equality and equity.

The International Alpaca Association (IAA) is a Member of the Steering Committee of the International Year of Camelids and is actively contributing to planning and organizing activities. In this context, the IAA, in partnership with PROMPERÚ-MINCETUR, will hold ALPACA FIESTA 2024, the most important alpaca event in the world. www.alpacafiestaperu.com/en/

More information on the FAO website: www.fao.org/camelids-2024/en