Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa addressed the National Camel Herders’ Conference. Specifically, he emphasized camel herding as a vital national cultural heritage. The event occurred in Mandalgobi city within Dundgobi Province. Consequently, the President directly engaged with local residents and herding communities. Therefore, his presence highlighted the government’s focus on rural and traditional livelihoods.
The conference itself represented the fifth national gathering for camel herders. President Khurelsukh personally opened the proceedings on January twenty-fourth. Initially, he expressed official gratitude to herders for preserving traditional knowledge. Furthermore, he specifically commended their role in generational knowledge transfer. Ultimately, this acknowledgment underscores the practice’s deep social and historical roots.
The President provided a significant statistical update on camel populations. Notably, Mongolia’s camel count has doubled impressively over twenty years. For instance, the number rose from two hundred fifty-four thousand to five hundred one thousand. This growth results directly from the sustained hard work of herders. Moreover, it reflects successful livestock management policies and environmental adaptation.
He described the two-humped Bactrian camel with particular pride. In fact, the animal is internationally recognized as the “Mongolian camel.” Additionally, it holds a revered place in national folklore, songs, and poetry. This iconic status firmly establishes it as a unique cultural heritage. Thus, the camel symbolizes national identity and resilience in a harsh climate.
Economic development formed another core part of the presidential address. He stressed the need for improved camel productivity and expanded processing. Similarly, increasing herder incomes requires active participation from the herders themselves. Moreover, it demands close cooperation between government and private sectors. Consequently, this collaborative approach aims to build a sustainable value chain.
State policies like “White Gold” and “Food Revolution” support this vision. These initiatives aim to boost national production and grow exports. For example, President Khurelsukh highlighted the high quality of camel wool specifically. Wool from young and female camels compares favorably to cashmere. As a result, finished camel wool products command premium prices globally.
The conference agenda covered several critical contemporary issues. Discussions included camel culture preservation and climate change impacts. Participants also addressed desertification and protecting intangible cultural heritage. Finally, enhancing the value of the endangered Mongolian camel was a key topic. These conversations connect tradition directly to modern economic and ecological challenges.
Globally, over two million two-humped camels exist across various nations. However, Mongolia currently hosts roughly five hundred thousand of these animals. This substantial share reinforces its central role in the species’ future. Therefore, the nation’s policies carry international conservation significance.
Looking ahead, the government will likely refine its support mechanisms. Future steps may include targeted subsidies for herder cooperatives. Additionally, investments in modern processing facilities are also probable. The goal is transforming cultural heritage into sustainable economic prosperity. In summary, this strategy balances preservation with necessary development.
In conclusion, the conference served as a platform for recognition and planning. It celebrated a major success in livestock population recovery. It also charted a course for future economic valorization. The Mongolian camel remains a powerful symbol of enduring cultural heritage. Its continued stewardship is both an economic imperative and a national duty.
