UN declares the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids

Utkarsh Classes Last Updated 20-12-2023

UN declares the year 2024 as the International Year of Camelids

Environment 4 min read

The United Nations has declared the year 2024 as the International Year of the Camelids to highlight the importance of camelids in the lives of people around the world.

Objective of International Year of Camelids 2024:-

The International Year of Camelids 2024 aims to create awareness about the untapped potential of Camelids and strive to increase investment in the Camelids sector through research, capacity development and use of innovative practices and technologies.

About Camelids:-

These camels are found in more than 90 countries of the world.

Characteristics of Camelids:-

These are herbivores, thin necks, long legs and ruminants. Their teeth are sharp.
They do not have hooves but instead have two toes with nails and soft pads called tylopoda in Greek, meaning “padded foot”.
Afro-Asian camel species have developed extensive adaptations to their lives in harsh, waterless environments.
Wild species of Bactrian camel are able to drink salt water.
Habitat:- Camelids are found in the highlands of the Andes mountain range, arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia.
Old World camels are true camels, found in North Africa and Central Asia, such as the dromedary camel (one-humped camel) and the Bactrian camel (two-humped camel), which are characterised by:
- their humps on their backs and
- the glans, an organ found in the neck of male camels (which is believed to be associated with male camels displaying dominance and attracting females)

Importance of Camelids:-

Camelids are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
These creatures contribute to local communities' food security, nutrition and economic development.
These creatures are a source of milk and meat, which helps the people's food security.
These creatures also provide fibre, which is used for clothing and shelter.
People also use them as a means of transportation.
These creatures also provide organic fertilisers, which are used in agriculture.

About the United Nations:

The United Nations was established on 24 October 1945 with the signing of the United Nations Charter by 50 countries.
At present, the number of member states included in it is 193.
This organisation has several parts. These parts are the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Secretariat, International Court of Justice, and United Nations Trust Council.
The United Nations has recognised six “official languages” (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish).
Headquarters- New York, USA
Secretary-General- António Guterres
United Nations Day – 24 October