Last week the Gobi Desert Pastoralist Association, led by WAMIP member Maamanhkuu Sodnom, hosted the Mongolia Gobi Desert Thousand Camel Festival in Bulgan town (Umnugobi/South Gobi province). The festival has occurred annually since 1997 in order to protect and increase the two-humped Bactrian camel population, introduce the Mongolian camel herders' culture locally and internationally, support the livelihoods of locals and nomads and develop winter tourism. Primarily, the winter festival significantly increases the value of Gobi desert camels each year nationwide. The two-day event includes attractions such as Camel Polo, local camel and sheep wool exhibit, the 100 camel parade and traditional Mongolian games, reminding attendees of the importance of preserving the camel population while celebrating local culture.