The South Sudan National Ministry of Environment and Forestry recently launched a USD 15 million Global Environment Facility project in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State. The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility and the United Nations Environment Programme, aims to promote sustainable ecosystem conservation in the Imotong landscape.
Josephine Napwon, the National Minister of Environment and Forestry, highlighted the importance of the project in restoring the degraded landscape and urged citizens to participate in tree planting initiatives. The project, titled ‘Promoting sustainable approaches to ecosystem conservation in the Imatong landscape of South Sudan,’ is expected to run for four years.
David Batali Oliver, the GEF operational focal point in Eastern Equatoria, emphasized the need to protect biodiversity and habitat to combat climate change. Joseph A. Bartel, the Undersecretary for Environment, called for state and local authorities to take ownership of the project and work towards planting 100 million trees in the next ten years.
Ochola Bosco Oringa, the Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry, expressed gratitude for the project and pledged to collaborate for its success, especially in wildlife conservation efforts within the Imotong ranges.