The European Union has congratulated South Sudan on the inscription of the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the UNESCO <a href="https://absafricatv9491.live-website.com/oman-partakes-in-48th-unesco-world-heritage-committee-session-in-korea/” title=”Oman partakes in 48th Unesco World Heritage Committee Session in Korea”>World Heritage List, describing it as a landmark achievement for wildlife conservation and the country’s global heritage.
In a statement marking Nature Conservation Day, the EU said the inscription is South Sudan’s first on the UNESCO World Heritage List and gives international recognition to one of the world’s most significant wildlife migration ecosystems.
The designation acknowledges the area’s outstanding universal value and its role as one of the world’s most significant wildlife migration ecosystems.
The inscription follows years of work led by the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage in collaboration with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, the South Sudan Wildlife Service, local communities, UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and African Parks.
The European Union, through its conservation initiatives, also supported efforts that contributed to the successful nomination.
The Chargé d’Affaires of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan, Lothar Jaschke, described the inscription as a major milestone for the country.
“The inscription of the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List is wonderful news and a great achievement for South Sudan. Supporting wildlife and environmental conservation is a key priority for the EU as it protects vital ecosystems, supports sustainable local livelihoods and reinforces regional security. Our commitment is driven by key strategic initiatives such as NaturAfrica and global climate goals,” Jaschke said.
Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Denay Jock Chagor welcomed the recognition, calling it a historic moment for South Sudan.
“Today’s inscription of the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is a proud and historic moment for our nation. This achievement reflects years of collaboration between the Government of South Sudan, local communities, African Parks and supporters who have worked tirelessly to safeguard this remarkable landscape. We thank UNESCO, our partners and the people of South Sudan who have helped make this achievement possible,” Chagor said.
The Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanath, said the inscription demonstrates South Sudan’s commitment to protecting both its natural and cultural heritage.
She said the achievement was the result of close cooperation among government institutions, local communities, UNESCO, African Parks and other conservation partners.
African Parks Chief Executive Officer Peter Fearnhead said the recognition highlights one of the few remaining landscapes where a natural ecosystem of such scale continues to function.
He said World Heritage status would increase international support for protecting the landscape and preserving it for future generations.
Covering about 12 million hectares of savannah, wetlands, floodplains and woodland, the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape includes Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors connecting them.
The landscape forms the heart of the Great Nile Migration ecosystem and supports what conservationists describe as the world’s largest terrestrial mammal migration.
Officials say the UNESCO inscription is expected to strengthen conservation efforts, boost international recognition and encourage sustainable tourism while benefiting local communities living within the landscape.
