South Sudan: New Policy Drafted for Wildlife Protected Area Demarcation

• South Sudan's Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism is developing a national policy for protected area demarcation.
• The initiative aims to involve local communities and address land-use concerns, with a focus on ensuring community benefits.
• A recent two-day workshop, co-organized with African Parks, began drafting the new policy and discussed key ecological and social considerations.
• The new framework is urgently needed due to lost records from past demarcations and existing communities within protected zones.
• All entities planning projects in wildlife areas are now required to consult with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism.

Adherence to new consultation requirements with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism will be paramount, directly influencing project feasibility and the acquisition of necessary permits.

The South Sudan Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism (MWCT) has initiated a significant undertaking to establish clear boundaries for the nation's wildlife conservation areas. This comprehensive effort aims to develop a unified national policy and standardized procedures for South Sudan wildlife protected area demarcation, addressing long-standing land-use challenges and ensuring the active participation of local communities. The initiative underscores a commitment to both ecological preservation and the rights of residents in and around these vital zones.

This pivotal development follows a recent two-day workshop, co-organized by the MWCT and African Parks. During this collaborative event, participants engaged in discussions regarding the fundamental principles and operational procedures essential for effective protected area demarcation. A key outcome of the workshop was the commencement of drafting the new national policy, signaling a concrete step towards a more structured approach to conservation land management.

The urgency behind this new policy stems from historical challenges, including inadequate record-keeping and the disruptive impact of past conflicts, which have led to the loss of documentation for many older protected area demarcations. Lieutenant General Martin Ring Malek, who serves as the Assistant Director General for Administration and Finance and is also the deputy chairperson of the Land Use Planning Committee, highlighted the critical need for a robust national framework. He noted that without clear guidelines, existing communities and even some tourism establishments have found themselves situated within areas designated for protection, necessitating proper re-demarcation.

The development of this SS Ministry of Wildlife Conservation policy is also driven by the recognition that clear boundaries are indispensable for both effective conservation efforts and the sustainable growth of the tourism sector. This South Sudan protected area land use planning initiative seeks to rectify past ambiguities and provide a definitive legal and geographical basis for managing these ecologically sensitive regions.

A cornerstone of the new demarcation process is the explicit commitment to South Sudan community involvement wildlife areas. Lieutenant General Malek affirmed that local populations would not be excluded from decisions impacting land use, emphasizing their historical engagement with the land. The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism is actively exploring mechanisms to ensure that these communities directly benefit from the demarcation process, acknowledging their inherent connection to the land. Simon Chadier Michael, the Director General of Tourism at the ministry, underscored this point, stating that the government is seeking ways for communities to gain from the redefinition of boundaries, recognizing their ownership.

Beyond local communities, the initiative involves a broad spectrum of governmental and academic institutions. These include the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Cooperatives and Rural Development, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, the Land Commission, and the University of Juba’s College of Natural Resources. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures diverse perspectives are integrated into the SS national park boundary policy development. The African Parks SS demarcation workshop itself delved into critical ecological considerations such as wildlife migration routes, ecological corridors, key habitats, and access to water, alongside robust community consultation and grievance mechanisms, reflecting a holistic approach to SS environmental law development.

The Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism has made it clear that any government institutions or private entities planning projects within wildlife areas must engage in prior consultation with the ministry. Lieutenant General Malek articulated this requirement, stating that while the ministry does not oppose developments like road construction or mining operations, proponents must first approach them. This directive signals a new era of oversight and coordination for land use in South Sudan's protected zones.

This evolving policy landscape means that legal professionals advising clients on land development, mining, or infrastructure projects in South Sudan must closely monitor the progression of the national policy on protected area demarcation. Adherence to new consultation requirements with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism will be paramount, directly influencing project feasibility and the acquisition of necessary permits. The emphasis on clear boundaries and community involvement aims to create a more predictable and sustainable environment for both conservation and responsible development.

Lawyers advising clients on land development, mining, or infrastructure projects in South Sudan must monitor the development of the new national policy on protected area demarcation and ensure compliance with evolving consultation requirements with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, as this will directly impact project feasibility and permitting.

Source: Original reporting via {source}