Ministry of Environment & Forestry - Republic of South Sudan

The Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry today received the UNHCR Regional Representative, Mr. Mathew Brook, and the UNDP Regional Representative, Mr. Mohamed Abshir, for updates on ongoing and proposed environmental and resilience projects. Discussions highlighted the recently announced Green Climate Fund (GCF) project valued at USD 50 million, with an additional USD 2 million in co-financing from the Government of Japan, targeting climate resilience in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Warrap States.

The meeting also addressed upcoming opportunities under GEF-8, the development of a new USD 42 million GCF project, and emerging priorities such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and carbon markets. The delegation further presented a proposal, through UNDP, for a USD 10 million, three-year programme to support communities in Upper Nile. The Ministry welcomed the continued partnership and emphasized the importance of aligning these initiatives with a clear national strategy to deliver tangible benefits for communities across South Sudan.

The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit, today commemorated the International Day of Forests 2026 under the theme “Forests and Economies,” noting that the event was originally scheduled for 21 March but was observed today as it fell on a weekend. The commemoration highlighted the critical role forests play in supporting livelihoods, driving economic growth, and protecting our environment, while reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to sustainable forest management, ongoing development of the Forestry Bill, and the promotion of tree planting under the message “Cut one tree, plant five.”

Following the press statement, the Minister, accompanied by representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), proceeded to Seventh-day Adventist Secondary School for an urban tree planting exercise, highlighting the importance of urban tree planting in creating a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Today, the Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry held a productive meeting with Ms. Dudu Douglas-Hamilton, Regional Operations Manager for African Parks in South Sudan and Ethiopia, and Florigton Aseefvatham, Country Representative in South Sudan, to discuss stronger collaboration in the protection and sustainable management of South Sudan’s natural heritage. Their discussions covered the importance of environmental laws as a foundation for sustainable development, closer cooperation between ministries and partners in the management of protected areas, stronger enforcement against environmental crimes, climate action, research and monitoring, and a community-centered approach to conservation that delivers real benefits to local people. The meeting also touched on the long-term potential of UNESCO engagement, eco-tourism development, and the important link between conservation, peace, and stability in our country.

The Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry today met with Mr. Martin Wek Tong, CEO of Panloy Ltd., to discuss practical solutions to waste management challenges in the country. As part of this effort, the Ministry is bringing together key stakeholders to develop a Public-Private Partnership aimed at improving waste management systems and creating sustainable solutions.

Today, the Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry held a productive meeting with representatives of African Parks, Mr. Florignton Aseefvatham and Mr. Keny Evans, to strengthen collaboration on the conservation of South Sudan’s protected areas. Discussions focused on enhancing inter-ministerial coordination across the Boma–Badingilo–Jonglei landscape, including support for boundary demarcation and institutional alignment. The meeting also discussed the ongoing process of nominating this crucial ecosystem for UNESCO World Heritage status, recognizing its global ecological significance and the need for its long-term protection.

Today, the Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry met with the founders of JNA Consulting — Ngor Arok Angeth, Angeth Arok Angeth, and Yar Ajak Deng — to discuss their work in climate change adaptation, research, public policy, and sustainable development. JNA Consulting, a Juba-based multidisciplinary firm, is playing an important role in supporting government, civil society, and community-based organisations through context-driven research, capacity building, and innovative solutions.
This engagement is in line with the Ministry’s priority of strengthening collaboration with South Sudanese private sector actors and civil society organisations to drive the socio-economic development of our people. The Ministry looks forward to further partnerships that can enhance local capacity, promote evidence-based policy, and unlock opportunities for accessing regional and international support for climate action.

Today, the Hon. Minister held a productive meeting with Mr. Martin Wek Tong, CEO of Panloy. Ltd., where we discussed key issues related to environmental protection and the socio-economic development of our people.
We exchanged views on how stronger partnerships with the private sector can help unlock sustainable opportunities for growth, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

I look forward to deeper engagement with the private sector and civil society, as we work to build their capacity and support their journey towards international accreditation—so they can directly access global climate finance and play a greater role in driving national development.

Today, the Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry held an introductory meeting with Daniel Kudum and Kur Peter Thon of Nile Green Packaging, two young South Sudanese innovators working on solutions to mitigate plastic pollution in our country. They presented their project through a brief PowerPoint presentation and shared their ideas on tackling plastic waste. The Ministry looks forward to further engagement on how young people can help keep our environment clean while turning the challenge of plastic pollution into an economic opportunity.

Today, the Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry met with Mr. Abui Alfred to discuss ways the Ministry can work with the private sector to unlock the hidden potential of South Sudan’s non-timber forest products. The discussion also covered opportunities for public-private partnerships (PPPs) and how stronger collaboration between government and the private sector can support socio-economic development while expanding non-oil revenue streams for the country.

The Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry, met with Mr. Bush Buse, one of the Executives of Salaam Junub to exchange views on environmental priorities and community-based climate initiatives in South Sudan.

The discussion highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing climate challenges such as drought and flooding. The Minister also emphasized that supporting local NGOs is a key priority of the Ministry, including helping build their institutional capacity and guiding them through accreditation processes that can enable access to direct international climate financing.

The Hon. Minister of Environment and Forestry met with Ms. Winnie Richard Roman, Director for Multilateral Environmental Agreements and Partnerships, during a courtesy visit at the Ministry. Ms. Roman, who has served in public service for several years, shared reflections on her professional journey and ongoing work within the environmental sector. The meeting reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing its mandate through experienced and dedicated staff.