Camel experts from research institutions and non-government organisations in India, France, Germany, Kazakhstan, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and the UK met at the training centre of Lokhit Pashu-Palak Sansthan near Mammaji-ki-dhuni at Sadri, District Pali, Rajasthan, India, on 23-25 November 2004, and came up with the following recommendations:

• Urgently investigate how to restore sufficient pastureland for camels in order to halt the decline in camel numbers.

• Make camel health services easily accessible to camel owners. This should include treatment of trypanosomiasis and mange (common camel dieases.

• Identify emerging market opportunities for camel products (such as milk and meat), and support changes in the farming system to take advantage of these.

• Promote the value-addition and marketing of camel products (milk, wool, leather, dung).

• Promote and subsidise the use of camel carts as an eco-friendly source of transport.

• Develop an effective, comprehensive camel policy, aimed at the long-term conservation of the camel This should be developed in consultation with the various stakeholders, especially camel-breeders.