Iran, FAO launch project to protect endangered livestock breeds
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Iran’s Agriculture Ministry have launched a new project aimed at empowering local communities to protect and sustainably develop endangered native livestock breeds in the country’s northwest, state media reported.
The project, titled “Empowering Local Communities for the Conservation and Development of Endangered Indigenous Livestock Genetic Resources in Northwest Iran,” was inaugurated at a workshop attended by government officials, technical experts, researchers, herders, and other local stakeholders, according to the Mehr news agency.
Participants discussed strategies to preserve valuable livestock genetic resources while simultaneously strengthening the livelihoods of rural communities.
Farrukh Toirov, FAO representative to Iran, emphasized at the opening session the vital role of native livestock breeds in building resilient agricultural and food systems and addressing global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security.
“The protection of these genetic resources is not only essential for preserving biodiversity, but also crucial for ensuring sustainable food production and strengthening the resilience of rural communities’ livelihoods in the future,” he said.
Northwestern Iran is home to several valuable native livestock breeds, including the Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, and Markhoz goat. These breeds constitute an important part of the country’s agricultural biodiversity and, in addition to providing livelihoods, play a significant role in preserving cultural identity and increasing the resilience of rural and nomadic communities.
Toirov cited recent FAO assessments, noting that more than 8,800 native and transboundary livestock breeds have been identified worldwide, of which over 70% are at risk of extinction. “This underscores the need for conservation programs and greater support for herders who maintain these valuable resources,” he said.
The initiative will also invest in rangeland restoration, strengthening dairy and mohair fiber processing units, and providing extensive training and capacity-building programs for herders, technical experts, and policymakers. In addition, measures will be taken to develop value chains and create new market opportunities for products derived from native livestock breeds to help boost incomes and economic resilience for rural communities.