EU Envoy Pelle Enarsson: Community-Led Wildlife Conservation Key in South Sudan

• EU Envoy Pelle Enarsson emphasized the importance of community engagement and land tenure arrangements for effective wildlife conservation in South Sudan.
• The Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Act, 2026, recognizes community-based conservancies but requires clearer land-tenure arrangements and coordination between relevant laws for implementation.
• The EU supports various conservation initiatives in South Sudan through its NaturAfrica program, which aims to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and improved governance in Africa.

"Durable conservation cannot succeed through protected areas alone," Enarsson said, arguing that governance and land tenure were central to protecting ecosystems and wildlife beyond formally designated protected areas.

In a recent meeting in Juba, EU Ambassador Pelle Enarsson emphasized the importance of community engagement and land tenure arrangements for effective wildlife conservation in South Sudan. The envoy highlighted that governance and land use are critical factors in protecting ecosystems and wildlife beyond protected areas. This approach is essential for achieving durable conservation outcomes. By involving local communities and traditional authorities in decision-making processes, conservation efforts can be more effective and sustainable.

Enarsson's remarks come at a crucial time as South Sudan seeks to strengthen its wildlife conservation and sustainable development initiatives. The country has made significant strides in this area with the passage of the Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Act, 2026. This law recognizes community-based conservancies, providing an opportunity for local communities to play a greater role in managing and benefiting from natural resources.

However, Enarsson noted that implementation of the new wildlife law requires clearer land-tenure arrangements, closer coordination between relevant laws, and stronger institutional cooperation. He also stressed the need for meaningful engagement with communities, women, and young people to ensure that conservation efforts are inclusive and effective.

The EU's emphasis on community-led wildlife conservation in South Sudan is closely tied to the country's legal framework. The Wildlife Conservation and Protected Areas Act, 2026, provides a foundation for conservation efforts by recognizing community-based conservancies. However, implementation of this law requires careful consideration of land tenure arrangements and coordination between relevant laws.

The Land Act and National Land Policy also play critical roles in shaping the country's approach to wildlife conservation. Enarsson highlighted the need for clearer land-tenure arrangements to support effective conservation outcomes. This includes ensuring that local communities have secure rights to manage and benefit from natural resources.

In addition, the EU supports various conservation initiatives in South Sudan through its NaturAfrica program. These efforts aim to link biodiversity conservation with sustainable development and improved governance in Africa.

The EU Envoy's call for community-led wildlife conservation in South Sudan has significant implications for the country's conservation and sustainable development initiatives. By prioritizing community engagement and land tenure arrangements, conservation efforts can be more effective and sustainable.

This approach also aligns with the EU's broader goals of promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in Africa. The NaturAfrica program, which supports various conservation initiatives in South Sudan, is a key component of this effort.

Ultimately, durable conservation outcomes require a multifaceted approach that involves local communities, traditional authorities, and government institutions working together to protect ecosystems and wildlife beyond protected areas.

Lawyers advising clients on wildlife conservation projects in South Sudan should note the EU Envoy's emphasis on community engagement, land tenure arrangements, and coordination between laws governing land use and wildlife conservation.

Source: Original reporting via EU Envoy urges South Sudan to put communities at heart of wildlife conservation