Activist Calls for Peace and Environmental Awareness to Attract Tourism

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A South Sudanese human rights and environmental activist is calling on both the government and local communities to promote peace and raise awareness on environmental protection and preservation of ecosystems.

Victor Batali Silas says efforts to promote peace, security, and the conservation of natural flora and fauna can boost tourism and contribute to the country’s economic development.

Speaking to Access Radio on Monday, Batali expressed concern over the increasing level of environmental degradation, which he says is undermining tourism and the livelihoods of local communities.

“If you look at the tourism sector in South Sudan, it has been severely affected because we don’t take conservation of our environment and forests as a source of income. Places like Kagelu Road with its teak plantations, and areas along the Yei-Maridi Road, have natural beauty that can be preserved for tourism attraction and also for learning purposes.”

Batali says peace and stability are essential for tourism to thrive in a developing country like South Sudan.

He is urging both government and opposition leaders to resolve the ongoing political crisis to allow the country to diversify its economy through tourism.

“For us to have environmental conservation that attracts tourism, we need peace. Tourists cannot come to a place that is hostile or insecure. We must address peace in our society to attract more tourists because tourism is an investment. We need to respect our nature to boost tourism, create jobs, and improve our economy.”

Batali also warns that rampant deforestation and misuse of natural resources are limiting economic opportunities.

He stresses the need for collective responsibility among all stakeholders to educate communities on environmental protection and enforce strong policies.

“People have resorted to cutting down trees without valuing our natural resources. We must educate our people, starting from schools and communities, about the importance of trees for our health and livelihoods. This will also help attract more tourists to our country.”