Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of South Sudan

South Sudan Secures $50M Green Climate Fund Investment to Strengthen Flood Resilience.

South Sudan has received USD 50 million from the Green Climate Fund, with an additional USD 2.5 million from the Government of Japan, to boost climate resilience in flood-prone areas of the Northwestern region.

The project, led by the Ministry of Environment and Forestry in partnership with WFP and UNHCR, will focus on long-term adaptation, community resilience, and sustainable management of natural resources.

Hon. Mabior Garang De Mabior, Minister of Environment and Forestry, highlighted during the joint press release that this initiative supports South Sudan’s climate commitments and will protect lives, livelihoods, and promote sustainable development.

This milestone demonstrates the power of strong partnerships in building a climate-resilient South Sudan.

Hon. Mabior Gerang De Mabior has officially assumed office as South Sudan’s new Minister of Environment and Forestry.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of South Sudan Welcomes Its New Minister

The Ministry of Environment proudly welcomes Hon. Mabior Garang De Mabior as its new Minister.

During his installation ceremony, the Minister thanked H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit for the confidence placed in him and vowed decisive action to combat deforestation, environmental degradation, and pollution in oil-producing areas.

He underscored that safeguarding the environment is both a national duty and a global responsibility, and pledged to work closely with the ministry’s leadership to develop a strong master plan that strengthens South Sudan’s environmental agenda.

Mr. Payai Manyok John of South Sudan from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of South Sudan, The Lead Negotiator on Agriculture and Food Security, delivered a presentation on behalf of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) on 4th November 2025 during the LDC preparatory sessional meeting in Belém, Brazil. His presentation focused on the current status of agriculture and the key priorities for .

Mr. Payai emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of all LDC economies and stressed that the time has come to push for new results. “It is time for implementation,” he noted, underscoring the urgent need for action to strengthen resilience and advance food security across the LDCs.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Republic of South Sudan represented by the Undersecretary for Environment, Mr. Joseph Africano Bartel joined partners for a focused dialogue on climate finance and food security in the region at the .
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‎At the side event “Partnership for Resilient Food System: Advancing Climate Finance for Food Security in the IGAD Region,” Mr. Bartel highlighted the urgent need for:

‎✔️ Predictable climate finance for frontline communities
‎✔️ Resilient agriculture and water systems
‎✔️ Strong regional partnerships that protect lives and livelihoods
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‎As a country, we reaffirmed the commitment to work with IGAD, development partners, and communities to unlock climate finance that does more than respond to crises but helps prevent them.
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‎South Sudan believes that a resilient food system is not just an environmental agenda; it is a peace agenda, a development agenda, and a promise to the next generation.

Coming Up❗

Partnership for Resilient Food System: Advancing Climate Fiance for Food Security in the Region.

🔸 Date: November 13, 2025
🔸 Time: 14:00 - 15:30 GMT-3
🔸 Venue: Ethiopian Pavilion, Blue Zone

South Sudan Participates in High-Level UN Side Event on Climate Finance for Fragile States at in Belem, Brazil.

The Undersecretary for Environment, Mr. Joseph Africano Bartel, joined an official side event organized by the Climate Security Mechanism (CSM) at the United Nations.

The event brought together leaders from climate finance institutions, governments, and multilateral agencies to explore innovative ways to scale and tailor climate finance for countries that are highly vulnerable to climate change, affected by conflict, and facing growing humanitarian needs.

The discussion also focused on building political momentum and operational pathways for equitable access to climate finance in fragile and underserved settings, with a particular emphasis on strengthening country platforms as a key delivery mechanism.

South Sudan Reaffirms Climate Commitment at in Belem, Brazil

At COP30 in Belem, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hon. Josephine Napwon Cosmas, delivered South Sudan’s national statement on behalf of H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit. She highlighted the severe climate impacts facing the country, including recurring floods, droughts, and heat stress, and called for urgent global action to protect vulnerable nations.

Hon. Napwon urged the international community to scale up climate finance, fully operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund, and support technology transfer and capacity-building. She reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to advancing its climate plans and working with global partners toward a sustainable and resilient future.

Ministry of Environment and Forestry Opens 2025 IDDRSI Annual Meeting, Calls for Innovative Climate Financing

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Hon. Joseph Africano Bartel, officially opened the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Steering Committee (IMSC) for the IGAD Drought Disaster Resilience and Sustainability Initiative (IDDRSI).

In his remarks, Hon. Bartel underscored the need to mobilize innovative and sustainable financing to strengthen drought resilience and address the growing impacts of climate change. He urged the IDDRSI Secretariat to explore international climate funds such as the Climate Change Fund (CCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), and Adaptation Fund (AF), while fostering synergies with ongoing national and regional projects.

He emphasized that building resilience requires collective action, cross-sectoral collaboration, and sustained investment in environmental sustainability and livelihoods.

The meeting provides a key platform for stakeholders to review progress, share lessons, and plan future actions to advance resilience and sustainable development across the region.

🔹 Supporting Our Communities, Protecting Our Planet

As part of the activities marking the World Ozone Day 2025 commemoration under the theme “From Science to Global Action,” the Ministry of Environment and Forestry distributed large umbrellas to roadside vendors across Juba, most of whom are women.

This initiative aimed to raise awareness on ozone protection and climate resilience while providing shade and comfort to vendors who spend long hours under the sun. It symbolizes how environmental protection connects directly to people’s daily lives and livelihoods.

The gesture reflects the Ministry’s commitment to inclusive climate action—ensuring that every effort to protect the ozone layer also supports communities, especially women, who are at the frontline of economic and environmental challenges.

The Ministry extends appreciation to all partners and staff who supported this outreach activity and continues to call on the public to take small actions that make a big difference for a healthier and more sustainable South Sudan. 🌍☂️

On 28th October 2025, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry joined the global community in commemorating World Ozone Day and the 40th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) under the theme “From Science to Global Action.”

World Ozone Day, officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly on 16th September, marks the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987) a landmark global agreement aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer. The day raises awareness of the ozone layer’s importance and celebrates the progress achieved through international cooperation.

Scientific surveys of the ozone layer and later the ozone hole in 1985 led to the adoption of the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol, which have since eliminated most harmful substances. The Protocol is now phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), major contributors to global warming. Experts projected full recovery of the ozone layer by 2060–2070.

The Undersecretary for Environment Hon. Africano reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthen enforcement measures, promote the use of natural refrigerants, and work with stakeholders and the media to advance South Sudan’s environmental protection and climate resilience efforts.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry extends its appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and media houses for their continued collaboration in protecting the ozone layer and building a safer, more sustainable South Sudan.

UN Environment Programme