Safeguarding natural ecosystems and promoting environmentally sustainable development
© UNESCO Juba
Aerial view of the Sudd Marches
Much of South Sudan’s rich array of natural ecosystems and biodiversity is intact, however, resource extraction, pollution and other environmental hazards threaten this important source of wealth and livelihood.
UNESCO is supporting the government to develop environmental protection policies and strategic plans, as well as important systems and structures, including waste management and recycling. Our activities include:
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere programme
Our Man and Biosphere programme combines natural and social sciences, economics and education to improve human livelihoods and safeguard ecosystems by improving the relationship between people and their environment. We are promoting innovative approaches to economic development that are socially and culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable.
The Sudd marshes
We are focusing on the Sudd marshes, a world-renowned area that is a source of natural and cultural diversity as well as potential economic development. We are also assisting to establish a cross-border biosphere reserve between South Sudan and Ethiopia in the Gambela region, which is host to the second most important wildlife migration corridor in the world.
Eco-system conservation for Natural World Heritage sites
One of UNESCO strengths is the ability to work constructively across a variety of sectors, as is the case with our eco-system conservation activities. In South Sudan, we are linking our work in ecosystem conservation with our culture programme to move forward the nomination process for Natural World Heritage sites. These sites have the potential to link with UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Network, which supports over 100 areas around the world of internationally important geodiversity and geological heritage.
Our work on ecosystems is linked to our education programmes, particularly curriculum development and life skills, to ensure that messages about environmental protection are part of the learning process. We are collaborating with government ministries on policies for sustainable growth of the science sector at the national level.