The government of South Sudan and conservation organisation African Parks have highlighted the economic potential of wildlife as a sustainable resource beyond oil. This comes as Pierre-Armand Roulet assumes his new role as African Parks' Regional Operations Manager for the country. The emphasis on wildlife conservation is part of ongoing efforts to protect Boma and Badingilo National Parks. Wildlife conservation is seen as a way to contribute to tourism, employment, investment, and long-term economic development.
Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Minister Denay Jock Chagor said South Sudan's wildlife migration, involving millions of animals across protected areas, is a national asset that could benefit future generations if properly protected. Chagor described wildlife as part of the country's national heritage and future prosperity. Effective conservation, he said, could create opportunities in tourism, employment, and investment. The minister emphasized that protected resources can generate sustainable benefits for future generations through tourism, employment, investment, and economic growth.
African Parks Chief Operations Officer Charles Wells said wildlife and protected landscapes can provide sustainable economic benefits for generations, unlike non-renewable resources such as oil. Wells described conservation as both an environmental priority and a long-term economic opportunity. He reaffirmed African Parks' commitment to supporting the government in protecting the country's natural resources. The organisation has been working with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism to strengthen the protection and management of Boma and Badingilo National Parks.
African Parks has been working with the South Sudanese government under a partnership agreement signed in August 2022. The organisation aims to support the government in protecting the country's natural resources. Roulet, the new Regional Operations Manager, said he was honoured to assume his new responsibility and looked forward to building on the organisation's existing work. He aims to work closely with the government, local communities, and conservation partners to advance shared objectives.
Presidential Advisor on Governance Joseph Ngere said protecting wildlife and natural resources was an investment in the country's future. Ngere added that these resources hold significant potential to contribute to economic development, tourism, environmental sustainability, and national pride. The government, he said, remained supportive of conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the country's natural heritage while creating opportunities for future generations.
South Sudan's economic dependence on oil makes developing alternative sources of revenue an important national consideration. However, turning wildlife into a sustainable economic resource will require investment in tourism infrastructure, accommodation, roads, security, and services capable of attracting visitors. The participation of communities living around protected areas will also be essential in ensuring that conservation translates into employment, livelihoods, and tangible economic benefits.
While government officials and African Parks have highlighted the long-term economic value of wildlife, specific figures on projected tourism revenues, investment commitments, or employment targets were not provided. The meetings between the government and African Parks delegation in Juba focused on the potential of wildlife conservation and the role of African Parks in supporting the government's conservation efforts.
Key points
- The South Sudanese government and African Parks are emphasising the economic potential of wildlife conservation as a sustainable resource beyond oil.
- African Parks has been working with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism to strengthen the protection and management of Boma and Badingilo National Parks.
- Turning wildlife into a sustainable economic resource will require investment in tourism infrastructure and the participation of local communities.
