TTHHEE CCAAMMEELL::

FFRROOMM TTRRAADDIITTIIOONN TTOO MMOODDEERRNNIITTYY

AA PPRROOPPOOSSAALL TTOOWWAARRDDSS CCOOMMBBAATTIINNGG

DDEESSEERRTTIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN

PROJECT PROPOSAL

THE UNESCO OFFICE DOHA

MMaarrcc BBrreeuullmmaannnn,, BBeennnnoo BBööeerr,, DDaavviidd GGaallllaacchheerr,, UUllrriicchh && RReennaattee WWeerrnneerryy,, SShhaauukkaatt AAllii CChhaauuddhhaarryy,,

JJoohhnn PPeeaaccoocckk,, GGhhaalleebb AAllhhaaddrraammii,, JJoohhnn NNoorrttoonn

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

Al-Rowaily S.L.R. (1999) Rangeland of Saudi Arabia and the "Tragedy of Commons". Rangelands, 27-29

Barth H.J. (1999) Desertification in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Journal of Arid Environments, 43, 399-410

Böer B. (2006) The camel farm. In: Natural Sciences Quarterly Newsletter (ed. UNESCO), pp. 1-24

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.

Choukr-Allah R. (1996) Halophytes and Biosaline Agriculture. Marcel Dekker, Inc. - New York-Basel-Hong Kong.

Farah K.O., Nyariki D.M., Ngugi R.K., Noor I.M. & Guliye A.Y. (2004) The Somali and the Camel: Ecology, Management and Economics. Anthropologist, 6, 45-55

Gallacher D.J. (2007) Overgrazing their welcome. Zawaya, 30-33 Gallacher D.J. & Hill J.P. (2006a) Effects of camel grazing on the ecology of

small perennial plants in the Dubai (UAE) inland desert. Journal of Arid Environments, 66, 738-750

Gallacher D.J. & Hill J.P. (2006b) Effects of camel vs oryx and gazelle grazing on the plant ecology of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. In: In Mohamed, A.M.O. (Ed(s).), Reclaiming the Desert: Towards a

Sustainable Environment in Arid Lands. Proceedings of the Third Joint

UAE-Japan Symposium on Sustainable GCC Environment and Water

Resources, pp. 85-95. Taylor & Francis:, Abu Dhabi, UAE Gillespie F. (2006) Discovering Qatar. Sponsored by RasGas Company

Limited. Khalaf S. (1999) Camel Racing in the Gulf - Notes on the Evolution of a

Traditional Cultural Sport. Anthropos, 85-106 Ksiksi T.S., Elkeblawy A., Al-Ansari F. & Alhadrami G.A. (2006) Artificial

forest ecosystems of the UAE are hot spots for plant species. World Journal of Agricultural Science, 2, 359-366

Le Houerou H.N. (2006) Environmental constraints and limits to livestock husbandry in arid land. Secheresse, 17, 10- 18

Lean G. (1995) Down to Earth - A simplified guide to the Convention to Combat desertification, why it is necessary and what is important and

different about it. Published by the Secretariat for the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

Legel S. (1990) Nutztiere der Tropen - Band 2 Büffel, Kamele, Schafe, Ziegen, Wildtiere. S. Hirzel Verlag Stuttgart - Leipzig.

Olsvig-Whittaker L., Frankenberg E., Perevolotsky A. & Ungar E.D. (2006) Grazing, overgrazing and conservation: Changing concepts and practices in the Negev rangelands. Secheresse, 17, 195-199

Ötztürk M., Waisel Y. & Khan M.A. (2006) Biosaline Agriculture and Salinity Tolerance in Plants. Birkhhäuser Verlag, Basel - Boston - Berlin.

Peacock J.M., Ferguson E., Alhadrami G.A., McCann I.R., Hajoj A.A., Saleh A. & Karnik R. (2003) Conservation through utilization: a case study of the indigenous forage grasses of the Arabian Peninsula. Journal of Arid Environments, 54, 15-28