The Camel Farm Project: From Tradition To Modern Times
This project was initiated to develop a possible solution to halt the continuing effects of desertification and overgrazing. Procedures are described to stop the progress of land degradation and to develop major steps in conservation and sustainable management of land and water resources of desert ecosystems. This activity will contribute to reduce the number of livestock, and allow deserts to recover. The deserts then can be used for the re-introduction of captive bred endangered species. It will produce meat and milk using much less freshwater than cows and conventional fodder crops. This is in line with the UNESCO global network of Biosphere Reserves, which aims to provide models for sustainable living. The project should encourage governments to reduce the total number of livestock in the desert rangelands and keep them below the ecological carrying capacity. Scientific studies, documenting how this can assist combating desertification, and reduce the amount of freshwater being used for fodder and milk production, are carried out in the farm. The outcome of these studies will be a more stable ecosystem and enhancement of the desert environments. Once the advantages of the farm are visible the Camel Farm can be replicated in countries with similar ecological conditions and problems, as in the Arabian Peninsula.

UNESCO Sector: Natural Sciences, UNESCO Office in Doha
Responsible Staff:  Dr Benno Böer
More information: http://www.unesco.org/mab/biodiv.shtml