Iran, FAO successfully warp up
Bactrian Camel Conservation Project

Bactrian Camel Conservation
Project completion is not only an achievement but a testament to our collective
commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, Yubak Dhoj
GC, FAO Representative a.i. to the Islamic Republic of Iran said in a message
on the terminal workshop of the Bactrian Camel Conservation Project.

In the pursuit of preserving the
Bactrian camel, a species listed as "Critically Endangered" by the
IUCN, FAO initiated a project two years ago to provide technical support for
the preservation of the Bactrian camel through enhancing both in-situ and
ex-situ conservation. Various training courses empowered camel owners, experts,
veterinarians and scientists.

“Simultaneously, enhancing the
livelihoods of local herders, capacity building, and raising awareness among
society and policymakers play a crucial role in the sustainability of such
projects. Our commitment to protect this valuable species has been realized in
close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture,” GC stated on December 28.

Referring to the challenges faced
during the implementation phase, he mentioned the main achievements of the
project including, the establishment of the first germplasm hub for Bactrian
camels in Iran at the Jafar Abad station, capacity-building programs for
government experts and camel herders through national and international
training programs, empowering the newly established cooperative company by
procuring feeding equipment as well as facilitating a wool processing workshop.

Moreover, he pointed out some
other achievements such as microchipping of Bactrian camels, providing
nutritional supplements, vaccines, and medicines coupled with the customization
of the Sareban Yar application for performance recording.

“We have embraced advanced
reproductive technologies, such as the cryopreservation of genetic materials
from Bactrian camels. In a groundbreaking initiative, we have also attempted
embryo transfer,” he further highlighted.

He expressed trust that the
government will continue its efforts to conserve this valuable species,
building on the work modelled jointly by FAO in this project.