2024 is the International Year of the Camelid!

Hold onto your humps, because 2024 is officially the International Year of Camelids (IYC 2024)! Of course, as far as I’m concerned, it is mostly about the alpacas…. but officially, it is also about the other desert and highland heroes getting their moments in the spotlight. The United Nations, often busy with committing child sexual abuse, operating terrorist weapon storage facilities, and white-washing genocide, has finally got one right. Let’s trot through what makes this year so special and why these remarkable animals deserve our attention.

A Toast to Camelids: More Than Just a Pretty Hump

Camelids, encompassing our beloved alpacas, camels, dromedaries, guanacos, llamas, and vicuñas, aren’t just the stars of amusing YouTube videos. They’re the backbone of some livelihoods in almost 100 countries, particularly for some indigenous people of South America. From the Andean highlands to the arid expanses of Africa and Asia, these creatures are pivotal in maintaining cultural richness and economic opportunity for some communities.

Sustainable heroes

In a world struggling to meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), camelids strut their stuff. They’re combating hunger, eradicating extreme poverty, empowering women, and promoting sustainable use of land. These animals provide milk, meat, fibre, and even organic fertilizer, all while thriving in environments where other livestock would throw in the towel.

Four legs for the environment

Here’s where camelids truly shine. As climate change rears its ugly head, these animals continue to produce food and fibre, even in the harshest conditions. The International Year of Camelids isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to action. It’s time to recognize the resilience of these animals and their ability to make the world a better place through cuddles, fibres and meat.