(NIMULE) – The Mayor of Nimule Municipality in Eastern Equatoria State, H.W. Caesar Longa Fuli, has called on South Sudan’s National Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism to strengthen management of wildlife in Nimule National Park and other national parks across the country.
In a recent interview with the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation, Mayor Fuli expressed concern about increasing poaching activities by both local residents and foreign nationals. He warned that continued illegal hunting could lead to the loss of key wildlife species, threatening both biodiversity and potential tourism revenue.
“We are worried that if this continues, we will lose our wildlife species. This is revenue that could be generated for the country,” Mayor Fuli said. He emphasised that local trapping techniques, often unsafe for animals, are a major factor in wildlife decline.
The Mayor highlighted the economic opportunity of wildlife tourism, which remains largely untapped in South Sudan. He suggested that protecting national parks could provide a stable source of income and help diversify the economy beyond current visible sources such as oil and agriculture.
Wildlife tourism is considered an emerging sector with potential to create jobs in hospitality, guiding services, and conservation management. For Nimule and Eastern Equatoria, effective wildlife management could attract both domestic and international visitors, boosting local businesses and government revenue.
Mayor Fuli’s appeal comes against the backdrop of the the need for a coordinated national strategy that combines law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable tourism development. Conservation experts note that similar initiatives in neighbouring East African countries have successfully increased wildlife populations while generating significant economic returns.
The call from Nimule comes at a time when South Sudan is seeking new ways to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities. Protecting national parks and wildlife could play a central role in the country’s economic diversification and long term development strategy.
Wildlife and Tourism Snapshot for Nimule
| Area | Key Concern | Economic Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Nimule National Park | Poaching by locals and foreigners | Revenue from tourism, local jobs |
| Eastern Equatoria | Loss of species, unsafe traps | Eco-tourism growth and investment |
| National Parks | Wildlife decline | Diversification beyond oil and agriculture |
According to Fuli, wildlife protection is not only an environmental priority but also a practical economic strategy for South Sudan, particularly in regions with significant tourism potential such as Nimule.
