(JUBA) – South Sudan’s government and its partners have marked two years since the launch of a conservation initiative that aims to protect the country’s fragile ecosystems, restore wildlife populations and support local communities. The milestone was celebrated on 28 July 2025, coinciding with World Nature Conservation Day, highlighting the early progress of a 10 year agreement between the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, African Parks and the European Union.
The partnership, launched in August 2022, focuses on the management and restoration of Boma and Badingilo National Parks, as well as the Jonglei landscape, which spans Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and Eastern Equatoria states. These areas are home to the world’s largest land mammal migration, including the white eared kob, a species that symbolises the country’s unique biodiversity.
Decades of conflict, limited infrastructure and underinvestment have left many of South Sudan’s ecosystems vulnerable. However, over the past two years, African Parks South Sudan has made measurable progress. Conservation teams have recorded sightings of critical species such as elephants, giraffes, buffalo, common eland, ostriches, oryx, roan, hartebeest and waterbuck. Most of these animals were previously present only in isolated numbers, with populations in some cases believed to be below 1 percent of their estimated numbers in the 1970s.
Current wildlife tracking efforts have confirmed the presence of 220 giraffes and 330 elephants across the protected landscape. Although these numbers remain modest, they reflect a significant step forward in ecological monitoring and data collection, made possible through modern technology and international support.
The EU has been a central financial and technical partner in the initiative, backing efforts not only to preserve wildlife but also to promote sustainable development and enhance peacebuilding.
“The EU stands with South Sudan. Protecting nature here means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of a region that matters to the world,” said Timo Olkkonen, the EU Ambassador to South Sudan.
He also highlighted that ecotourism and sustainable resource use can become meaningful economic drivers if supported correctly.
On the ground, over 200 animals are currently fitted with satellite tracking collars, while upgraded control centres now enable round-the-clock monitoring of the parks. These efforts are helping to detect threats such as poaching and habitat degradation more quickly, contributing to more effective conservation.
Local communities remain at the heart of the strategy. Joint efforts by African Parks and the government include livelihood initiatives such as beekeeping and honey production, education outreach, and small-scale infrastructure development. These projects are designed to foster peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife, and to provide communities with practical alternatives to resource exploitation.
One of the more ambitious projects under the partnership is the planned opening of South Sudan’s first natural tourist camp in Maruwa, Pibor Administrative Area, slated for 2026. The government hopes this facility will serve as a model for low-impact tourism, offering income opportunities while reinforcing conservation goals.
General Khamis Adieng, Director General of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, noted that the partnership has transformed not only how the parks are managed but also how local communities view conservation.
“From cutting edge monitoring to community empowerment, this partnership proves that South Sudan can safeguard its greatest natural asset while uplifting the people who depend on it,” he said.
African Parks’ Dorette Smit, who leads operations in South Sudan, echoed that sentiment, stating that by “working side-by-side with communities and government, we’ve laid the groundwork for lasting conservation and supported communities’ alternative ways of livelihood.”
As part of this year’s observance of World Nature Conservation Day, South Sudan’s government and its partners renewed their appeal for international support to protect the Great Nile Migration Landscape and ensure its ecosystems remain resilient. The broader objective is to build a nature positive economy that can improve livelihoods and support national recovery.
This conservation initiative illustrates a growing awareness in South Sudan of the deep connection between environmental protection, economic development and long term peace.
