The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has launched a new project to protect and sustainably develop native livestock breeds in northwestern Iran. The project is being carried out in cooperation with national partners and Iran's Ministry of Agriculture Jihad.
An inception workshop was held for the project, titled 'Strengthening and Developing the Endangered Native Animal Gene Pool in Northwestern Iran.' Government officials, technical experts, researchers, breeders, and local stakeholders attended the meeting.
Local communities placed at the center
The workshop addressed methods for strengthening rural life by conserving valuable animal genetic resources. The project's core approach is the direct participation of local communities in the process.
FAO Representative in Iran, Farrukh Toirov, said that native livestock breeds play a critical role in building food systems resilient to global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity. Toirov stressed that conserving these genetic resources is necessary not only for biodiversity, but also for sustainable food production and resilient rural livelihoods in the future.
Prominent breeds in the region
Northwestern Iran is home to valuable native breeds, including the Bactrian camel, Sarabi cattle, Mahabadi goat, and Markhoz goat. These breeds are considered a vital part of the country's agricultural biodiversity.
For rural and nomadic communities, these animals provide not only economic income but are also important for cultural identity and resilience.
According to the FAO's latest assessments, more than 8,800 local and transboundary livestock breeds have been reported worldwide. The fact that over 70 percent of these are classified as being at risk of extinction further increases the need for conservation efforts.
An 18-month implementation plan
The project will support the establishment of community-based breeding programs over 18 months. Pedigree registration and performance monitoring systems will also be established, and steps will be taken to conserve genetic material.
The work also includes plans for rangeland rehabilitation, strengthening milk and mohair processing facilities, and comprehensive training for livestock breeders, technical experts, and policymakers.
In parallel, the project aims to develop value chains for products derived from native breeds and create new market opportunities. This aims to increase incomes and economic resilience in rural areas.
The role of rural women
The project also places special emphasis on the economic empowerment of rural women. The FAO states that women play a significant role in livestock systems in the target regions.
Through support for processing facilities, value chain development, and targeted capacity-building, the economic participation and leadership of rural women is planned to be strengthened.
Connection to previous conservation efforts
The new program builds on the FAO's previous conservation initiatives in the country. These include Bactrian camel conservation efforts and mobile veterinary and breeding services for nomadic herders.
The organization states that this new step further strengthens the link between biodiversity conservation and rural development.
The project is also aligned with the goals of the 2026 International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, which highlights the role of nomadic communities in biodiversity conservation, food security, and ecosystem management.
