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PROJECT PROPOSAL
THE UNESCO OFFICE DOHA
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DRAFT
Foreword
Abstract
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO), has made aware the threatening yet continuing effects of
desertification. Desertification has not only resulted in land degradation but has
an immense impact on the ecological system. The International Year of Deserts
and Desertification in 2006, created awareness amongst people that time and
money is needed to focus on sustainable development. Enhancing knowledge
and possible solutions on combating desertification are essential to recover
desert ecosystems. Procedures need to be developed to halt its progression, to
stop the progress of land degradation and develop major steps in conservation
and sustainable management of land and water resources.
Many experts and scientific research studies have demonstrated that camel
grazing above the ecological carrying capacity is a major threat to desert
ecosystems. Reducing the abundance of camels in the open rangeland below the
ecological carrying capacity allows the rangeland vegetation to recover from
overgrazing and redressing desertification. Building ‘camel farms’, where the
camels are yet fed on native desert- or salt tolerant plants which are produced in
farms will help the rehabilitation process further. This also generates a more
sustainable way for fodder production, and reduces the amount of freshwater
irrigation. Indigenous palatable plants, which consume less freshwater, can be
produced as camel fodder.
These model farms will demonstrate through research studies done in the farm,
the rehabilitation of desert rangelands to its natural conditions. Thus a more
stable ecosystem will proceed towards progression and the betterment of the
desert environments will be ensured.
Table Of Contents
Fig. 4a: Camel Herd in the UAE; by David Gallacher
1 Background
During traditional nomadic husbandry the Bedouin people and their camels
lived in a harmonious, symbiotic relationship. Their camels provided the
Bedouin a whole range of useful articles like milk, meat, wool and leather and
therefore were regarded as a “Gift of God” (GILLESPIE 2006). Generally the
Bedouin evolved elaborated ways of living off their fragile soils without
overexploiting it. A balance existed between the components of the rangeland
system so the traditional nomadic husbandry had just a small influence on the
desert ecosystem (AL-ROWAILY 1999; OLSVIG-WHITTAKER et al. 2006). At that
time the overall vegetation
densities had never gone below
10 % (BARTH 1999).
But all of this changed during
the 20th century, when land
degradation intensified through
rapid social and economic
changes. Extensive oil
exploration led to a population
increase and concomitant urban
development.
Over time, traditional husbandry
was transformed into a
commercial ranging system.
This shift from nomadic to
stationary forms led also to an
Fig. 4b: Camel Herd in the UAE; by David Gallacher
increasing demand on natural water availability. Mobile water trucks enabled
the Bedouins to relocate their livestock to even the remotest places. This
enabled herders to take care of large numbers of animals in smaller areas,
devastating the natural vegetation and thus replacing the population of Oryx
and Gazelles (BARTH 1999). In addition, the density of wells increased
significantly and water consumption now exceeds the rate of renewal.
1.1 Overgrazing
Heavy grazing is the primary cause of ecological degradation in desert
ecosystems, with a dramatic reduction of species diversity and densities in the
desert environments. It lowers the productivity of ecosystems and changes the
species richness and relative
abundance (GALLACHER &
HILL 2006b). Palatable plant
species are replaced by thorny
shrubs. Camel grazing also
leads to a remarkable increase
of sand movement and affects
today more than 90 % of the
land on the Arabian Peninsula
through which desert-like
conditions are created (known
as the desertification process)
(PEACOCK et al. 2003;
GALLACHER & HILL 2006a).
1.2 Desertification
Current desertification is taking place much faster worldwide than historically
recorded and usually arises from the demands of increased populations that
settle on the land in order to grow crops and grazing animals. A major impact
of desertification is biodiversity loss, and loss of productive capacity, such as
the transition from grassland dominated by perennial grasses to one dominated
perennial shrubs. Key features of desertification include a decline in vegetation
productivity, loss of biodiversity, loss of soil fertility and an increase in
aeolian activity (BROWN et al. 2006). Compounding the desertification process
is the often-unregulated cultivation of land, which is often too arid or too sandy
for normal agricultural uses.
Nowhere is the crisis of loosing ground more acute than in the dry lands where
the soil is especially fragile. Desertification now damages almost 30 % of the
total land area of the world and costs it about 42 billion USD a year (LEAN
1995). Unfortunately, an area undergoing desertification is brought to public
attention only after the process is well under way. Often little data are available
to indicate the previous state of the ecosystem or the rate of degradation.
1.3 The Project
The ecological carrying capacity of camels in the desert must be clearly
reduced (GALLACHER & HILL 2006b) and overgrazing must stop to rehabilitate
the desert ecosystems to their natural conditions and to combat desertification.
Modern camel farms (modeled on modern cow farms for instance) could be a
novel answer to combat desertification.
The feasibility of this new sustainable livestock industry requires a grazing law
(LE HOUEROU 2006) and regime as well as a sustainable system for fodder
production.
It should be avoided to import/or produce for example alfa alfa (Medicago
sativa) and Rhodes grasses (Chloris gayana) as camel fodder because these
species are not adapted to the conditions of drought, temperature and salinity
(PEACOCK et al. 2003). Feeding on indigenous plants is a more sustainable way
of fodder production because the amount of freshwater needed can be reduced
(PEACOCK et al. 2003).
Sustainable human development via the establishing of Camel Farms will also
have a beneficial response on socio-economic conditions in the local region by
creating jobs and selling products produced in the farm.
1.4 Main Aim
The UNESCO Office in Doha intends to build a model Camel Farm (s), which
should demonstrate on experimental plots the following aspects:
I. combating of desertification to rehabilitate the
desert ecosystems
II.
III. production of commercial goods in the farm
IV. reduction of water usage for fodder production
The achievement of all the above-mentioned objectives requires the promotion
and development of a well organized Masterplan including the experience and
input of experts.
Fig. 7: Flow Chart about the main aims of the Project
2 Fatal Pollution (U. Wernery)
3 The “Camel Farm” And Its Products
Presently, the rangelands in most arid countries have camels as livestock for milk as well
as for meat production and they can be found for example in Sahel, Africa, Middle East,
Mongolia, Northwestern China, Pakistan and Northern India. These rangelands are in
very bad condition and often are close to vanishing. The regeneration or recovery of these
rangelands is essential for the development and introduction of new rangeland methods.
3.1 The Farm
3.1.1 Experimental Research Studies
To study the succession of plant species of the ecosystem and to demonstrate the
advantages of the camel farm, experimental plots have to be established. A small research
center, including a laboratory for microbial and genetical investigation, should be
available for scientist working in the farm. The Scientists could study the camels to
ascertain whether camels can be fed with indigenous or salt tolerant plants and still
produce plenty of milk of good quality to finally breed the optimal milk producing camel.
The laboratory should also be used to investigate the minimum quantity of water needed
to produce one liter of camel’s milk and the effects of different desert plants and salt
tolerant plants on the taste and quality of milk.
The consequences of different water requirements of the plant species used as camel
fodder and the effects of different fodder consumption rates are also important aspects
which should be monitored (including the investigation of the nutrient value (quality) of
the fodder plants).
To protect the desert environment and rehabilitate it to its natural conditions the grazing
site in the model farm has to be heavily controlled. The following criteria’s have to be
taken into account, each with its own policy and ecological consideration (GALLACHER &
HILL 2006b):
- the carrying capacity of camels must be reduced
- a limited number of animals shell be allowed to graze in the desert because
camels are important pollinators in the desert ecosystems
- the grazing area must be protected from human interference and excessive camel
grazing by a fence and an ongoing daily patrol
- the camels stay in a fenced area where they are fed on indigenous plants, where
they are given free access to water and where camel products are produced
- specific fodder should be produced adjacent to the farm; such as
o indigenous desert plants
o salt tolerant plants
(GALLACHER & HILL 2006b; KSIKSI et al. 2006)
3.1.2 Renewable Energy
The complete farm has to be built in an environmental way. The farm will be
established in an arid region with a high solar radiation. It should use solar cells to
generate electricity directly from sunlight to be used for the entire farm. The farm could
demonstrate the advantages of solar electricity to the particular region. Building a
Biogas-plant is another possibility for the production of electricity. The surplus of
produced electricity can be sold.
3.2 Camel Products
3.2.1 Camel Milk
The proposed camel farms would primary produce camel milk. The Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO) estimates, that the global market in camel milk is worth over 10
billion USD. In the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai, one such camel farm already exists,
where, according to U. Wernery some 400 female camels produce about 3200 - 4000 l of
milk per day.
Camels can produce four times more milk in the desert environment than cows can. Cows
are highly efficient in milk production when their environment is air-conditioned or if the
cows are constantly cooled down with water sprinkling systems. These of course use an
enormous amount of energy and water.
Products such as soft cheese, additives for medical products and cosmetic can also be
created out of milk.
4.2.2 Camel Oil
Camel oil is suitable for producing soaps and cosmetics.
4.2.3 Camel Wool
Camel Wool has special characteristics, softness and strength. Because it is one of the
worlds’s rarest fibers and can be used for the high fashion industry.
4.2.4 Camel Meat
In addition to milk camel meat could be produced in the farms. Young camels of an age
of 5 years are favored for meat production (LEGEL 1990).
The increasing human population of the desert regions, which in the past consumed meat
only occasionally is more demanding today. On the contrary the meat supply in arid
regions is very small in comparison to the need of the vastly increased affluent
population.
It is difficult for countries in arid regions to be self sufficient in meat production. The
proposed camel farm has to be managed in a way that a sustainable productivity of meat
and other products could be developed.
4.2.5 Breeding
An important aspect of camel farming is the breeding itself (FARAH et al. 2004).
Breeding special camels for milk production locally (to increase the yield of milk
production) and/or breeding race camels (camel races are a major traditional heritage
sport in the Arab region) (KHALAF 1999) would be just two attractive alternatives.
4.2.6 Other Products And Functions
A camel farm could also be used as a tourist attraction. Tourists could enjoy day trips to
the desert or the coastline by riding the camels, enjoying the desert and possibly a sunset
barbeque before returning. This is an eco-friendly method to provide the link to nature.
And while camel skin has no major commercial uses for leather production (it is soft and
not tenable), it may have a value for tourists. In general these products are made from
goat leather, so camel leather products should be branded as such. Tourists could
purchase handmade leather products such fashion accessories as souvenirs directly from
the farm.
4.3 Proposed Fodder Production And Water Savings
In the past only a few cities with small populations existed. The drinking water was
limited. Therefore, there was no concept of the modern sanitary systems. Nowadays the
drinkable water is relatively available. The wastewater treatment results in often tertiary
treated water in abundance, in amounts unimaginable in the past. This large amount of
wastewater can be used most profitably to grow fodder of different kinds, including vast
tree plantations for use as fodder by camels by using various irrigation technologies such
as sub irrigating deep sands with treated or untreated sewage water. Brackish Sabkha
water can be used to develop artificial plantations on coastal sand dunes in dense.
In the model Camel Farm the fodder production should be of two forms:
- indigenous desert plants
- salt tolerant plants
4.3.1 Desert Plants
By feeding camels on native desert plants (Cenchrus, Pennisetum, Panicum, Rhanterium
etc.), instead of alfa alfa and Rhodes grasses, freshwater needed for fodder production
could be reduced (BÖER 2006).
4.3.2 Salt Tolerant Plants
So-called biosaline farms could be established, for example in parts of the sabkha and
next to the shore, to increase the fodder supply in the camel farms.
These biosaline farms are based on utilization of water for saline and salt-water tolerant
plants. These salt tolerant plants, called halophytes, represent a wide range of different
plant species including grasses, shrubs and trees. They can be irrigated with seawater,
minimizing the need for fossil groundwater. Until now different plant species have been
evaluated for their economic potential as livestock fodder (CHOUKR-ALLAH 1996;
ÖTZTÜRK et al. 2006).
The UNESCO Office in Doha already developed a Project Proposal of establishing a
biosaline agriculture pilot farm for livestock production in the costal zone of Sudan. Also
Sea grass and Mangroves, both highly productive systems, should be cultivated as
fodder, of course depending on the future location of the farm.
4 Outcome
Camel Farm’s establishment should lead to significant secondary benefits.
Desert landscapes become more attractive once the fauna and flora densities
increase, and wildlife stocks would recover. Habitats for small animals like
lizards, nesting bird and insects are created. Tests on smaller enclosures have
demonstrated that even after one year with average rainfall a visible recovery
takes place, which becomes even more obvious after two years (BARTH 1999).
So desert ecosystems have the ability to recover after conditions have changed
(GALLACHER 2007).
The protected areas can demonstrate, especially to school children, how the
desert landscape can look like if you control grazing and what can be done to
protect the desert environment.
Indigenous animals like Oryx, Gazelles and the Houbara Bustard could be
released into the wild and sustainable hunting could be introduced to attract
tourists. Also the traditional falcon hunting might again become a popular event
in the particular recovered region.
In conclusion these farms could combat desertification, recover desert
ecosystems and reduce water usage in the area.
In long term, complete industries could be established linked to camel farms.
Jobs could be created not only at the farms, but also linked to tourism, the
educational and the transport sector. These farms would pull the people out of
poverty and generate income sources.
The camel farm could develop to a major economy in the region. Also existing
farms could reduce the herds in the fenced desert areas below the ecological
carrying capacity in order to recover the desert ecosystems and of course they
have to change the feeding behavior of the camels.
Significantly more studies are needed, particularly in the fields of
understanding the linkages between combating desertification and the
establishment of camel farms. These farming options present a novel approach
to sustainable use of natural resources. The farms are also linked to traditions
and culture of the people living in the arid regions.
Once the advantages of the established model farm(s) are visible and the
research studies, carried out in the farm, are publicized, these camel farms then
can be replicated in countries with similar ecological conditions and problems.
5 Project Development
The duration of the proposed project will approximately be THREE years.
The project can be divided into the following steps:
5.1 Project Setup
The UNESCO Office in Doha elaborated the Proposal setup under the
supervision of Dr. Benno Boer, Ecological Science advisor for the Arab region.
It involves a broad team of experts as co-authors in the field of science.
5.2 General Issues
5.2.1 Contract for a project manager for the entire duration of the
project. He/ she will be responsible to plan and coordinate
the development of the camel farm project as well as the
financial issues.
5.2.2 Inform potential donors and institutions about the project by
presenting materials and publications (Communication 1).
5.2.3 Develop relations and contacts with possible donors,
companies etc. from the public and the financial Sector
(Communication 2).
5.2.4 Promote fundraising campaigns (Financial Step 1).
5.2.5 Choose possible donors from the public and private Sector
and develop a fundraising catalogue (Financial Step 2).
All aspects mentioned will be worked on during the entire duration of the
project.
5.3 Specifications of Objectives
5.3.1 Workshop 1: organizing a workshop and inviting experts,
companies, international organizations, representatives and
Member States to discuss the objectives of the future
development of the project. Possible location for the
establishing of the camel farm as well as a timeframe and
feasibility studies and Master Plan.
5.3.2 Data collection of scientific research studies that have been
done in the past in order to obtain all the information needed
for the proper design of the farm and optimal management.
5.3.3 Publish a book with the results of the study.
5.4 Development of a Draft Version
5.4.1 Workshop 2: Identify expert groups. These groups are
responsible for the development of a draft version of the
camel farm. The groups should contain experts in the field
of:
- desertification
- overgrazing
- botany
- architecture
- rangeland management
- sustainable energy use
- food and agriculture
Important Action points:
- select the most suitable site for the establishing of a camel farm
- do a survey (inventory control) of the site before start building the
farm
- list of species of desert plants and salt tolerant plants to be grown
in the farm (consideration of their adaptability, productivity and
palatability)
- Decide what kind of studies and research are required, concerning:
rehabilitation progress, fodder production (in order to secure the
needed optimal nutrition for the livestock), milk and meat
production and management
- special view on the management of the entire farm
- asses the available logistics:
I. Supply instruments for milk cooling and storage systems.
II. In farm quality control, laboratory to ensure the quality of
the milk.
III. A veterinary support to tackle any veterinarian problem
in its initial phase.
IV. An advanced, computerized daily management of the
farm […]
5.4.2 Appointment of working group leaders
5.4.3 Coordination of working group activities in order to
develop the draft version of the camel farm
5.5 Draft Feasibility Study
5.5.1 Workshop 3: organize a workshop to discuss the revised draft
version in order to coordinate the final version and create a
detailed design and engineering plan of the farm with all its
components, including the infrastructure and utilities.
5.6 Development Of The Final Feasibility Study
Of The Camel Farm
5.6.1 The project manager and working group leaders will develop
the final version of the camel farm
5.6.2 Submission of the final version
5.6.3 Workshop 4: Presentation of the final version and complete
project to the donors and Member States.
7 Bibliography
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Brown G., Peacock J., Loughland R. & Alhadrami G.A. (2006) Chapter 7: Costal and Terrestrial Ecosystem Management Requirements in the Arabian Peninsula. In: Policy Perspectives for Ecosystems and Water Management in the Arabian Peninsula, pp. 90-104. UNESCO, The United Nations University.
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