(JUBA) – The Ethiopian Embassy in South Sudan has launched a tree planting initiative at the University of Juba, part of a broader effort to fight climate change and promote environmental sustainability in the region. The event, held on Friday at the university’s Custom Campus, saw 200 tree seedlings planted as part of Ethiopia’s ongoing Green Legacy Initiative.
Leading the campaign were Solomon Mamo, Chargé d’affaires at the Ethiopian Embassy, and Professor Robert Mayom Kuoirot, Vice Chancellor of the University of Juba. The initiative was held under the theme “Renewal Through Planting”.
The programme is a local extension of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, an environmental drive launched by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed in 2019. Since its inception, the programme has planted over 40 billion trees across Ethiopia.
In his remarks, Mr Mamo described the event as an important step in the region’s fight against climate change. “It is a bold move that plays a vital role in addressing the impacts of climate change that East Africa, as well as the world, has faced,” he said. He added that the symbolic planting at the University of Juba represents a shared responsibility for protecting the environment.
The Ethiopian Embassy has previously organised tree planting activities in South Sudan, especially at the Multi-Training Centre (MTC) in Juba, where it maintains a fraternity garden. Since 2022, the embassy has planted various fruit bearing and indigenous trees at the MTC, including guava, mango and avocado.
The programme aims not only to increase forest cover and reverse land degradation but also to support ecotourism, improve soil quality, enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to economic development through surplus production for export and local use.
Professor Mayom welcomed the Ethiopian initiative and thanked the embassy for extending the campaign to South Sudan’s academic institutions. He challenged South Sudanese citizens to adopt a similar spirit and protect their environment.
“Our people are fond of cutting trees,” said Prof. Mayom. “Some areas in southern Sudan are already on the path to becoming deserts. If we do not act now, we risk losing our natural resources.”
He called on communities, especially in rural and forested areas, to rethink unsustainable practices like widespread tree cutting and instead contribute to reforestation efforts.
“We have been given the idea — can we utilise it? Can we plant more trees?” he asked.
Also speaking at the event was Ambassador Philip Jada, Director General for Bilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. He stressed the importance of ensuring that trees planted today grow and serve long term environmental and agricultural purposes.
“We want trees that can help improve our soil, improve our food production, and preserve our water resources,” Amb. Jada said. “We want trees that help us in preserving our pollination.”
South Sudan, like much of East Africa, is experiencing the direct effects of climate change. Rising temperatures, irregular rainfall, desertification and deforestation continue to threaten agricultural productivity and water availability in many parts of the country.
