(BADINGILO NATIONAL PARK) – African Parks, in collaboration with local communities, the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism (MWCT), and donor partners, has developed an artisanal honey initiative in Lafon, Badingilo National Park. The initiative aims to provide sustainable income opportunities while supporting wildlife and ecosystem conservation.
The partnership, established in 2024 between African Parks and Hagana Agro Processing Company, assists local beekeepers to increase honey yields. Once harvested, the honey is transported to Juba for processing and packaging, then sold in South Sudanese shops and supermarkets under the Badingilo Honey brand.
The pilot project provides a revenue model that reduces families’ dependence on exploiting natural resources. “Because bees depend on flowers and a healthy ecosystem, it is now in the communities’ best interests to protect their natural heritage,” said a representative of African Parks South Sudan.
This approach links environmental conservation with economic empowerment. Families benefit from sustainable incomes, while the community collectively protects biodiversity and forested areas near Badingilo National Park. The initiative has encouraged local residents to adopt conservation friendly practices, ensuring long-term protection for both wildlife and livelihoods.
African Parks reports that the success of Badingilo Honey is already inspiring expanded production and increased market demand. The festive season offers a timely opportunity for residents in Juba and beyond to enjoy the product, which symbolises a harmonious relationship between conservation and community development.
Bees Help Families and Wildlife in Badingilo
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Project | Badingilo Honey |
| Location | Lafon, Badingilo National Park, Central Equatoria State |
| Partners | African Parks, MWCT, Hagana Agro Processing Company, donor partners |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Objective | Provide sustainable incomes while promoting conservation |
| Process | Beekeeping, honey harvest, transport to Juba, processing, packaging, sale in shops |
| Impact | Families earn revenue, reduce dependence on natural resource exploitation, protect ecosystems |
| Scale | Pilot phase in 2025, with plans to expand production |
| Benefits | Income generation, community empowerment, biodiversity protection, sustainable development |
| Target Market | South Sudanese consumers, shops, and supermarkets |