Boma–Badingilo landscape becomes South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site in recognition of one of the world’s largest intact wildlife ecosystems and the planet’s biggest terrestrial mammal migration.

The announcement of the inscription was made on Saturday by the government of South Sudan, describing it a historic milestone for the country’s conservation efforts and international recognition of its natural heritage.

The Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape spans Boma National Park, Badingilo National Park and the wildlife corridors linking the two protected areas, covering about 12 million hectares (29.6 million acres) of savannas, wetlands, floodplains and woodlands in eastern South Sudan.

UNESCO recognized the landscape for its ‘outstanding universal value’ as the heart of the Great Nile Migration ecosystem, where an estimated six million antelope move across the region each year in response to seasonal rains.

A 2024 aerial wildlife survey confirmed that about six million white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle and Bohor reedbuck migrate through the landscape annually, making it the largest terrestrial mammal migration on Earth. The migration extends beyond South Sudan into neighboring Ethiopia through ancient wildlife corridors that have shaped the region’s ecology for millennia.

Officials said the designation recognizes not only the landscape’s exceptional biodiversity but also the generations of communities whose traditional knowledge and stewardship helped shape the World Heritage nomination.

Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Denay Jock Chagor described the inscription as ‘a proud and 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,” he said.

“It is international recognition of the extraordinary natural heritage that South Sudan holds for the benefit of the world, and of our commitment to protecting it for future generations.”

He said the achievement reflects years of collaboration between the government, local communities, African Parks and conservation partners.

“The Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape is home to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on Earth and stands as a powerful symbol of our country’s resilience, beauty and potential.”
 
Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, whose ministry led the nomination process, said the inscription marked a defining moment in South Sudan’s history.

“As our country’s first World Heritage Site, it represents international recognition of a landscape whose value extends far beyond our borders and whose protection is a shared responsibility,” Yong said.

She said the recognition demonstrates South Sudan’s commitment to preserving both its natural and cultural heritage and acknowledged the role local communities played throughout the nomination process.

Meanwhile, community representative Paulino Warnyang welcomed the decision, saying it recognizes both the landscape and the people who have lived alongside its wildlife for generations.

“For generations our communities have lived alongside the wildlife and landscapes of Boma and Badingilo. This recognition honours not only the animals and the land, but also the people whose lives, traditions and cultures have always been connected to them,” Warnyang said.

He said he hoped the UNESCO designation would create new opportunities for local communities while ensuring the area’s natural heritage is preserved for future generations.

The listing comes as conservationists warn of growing threats from commercial poaching, extractive industries and climate change, which they say could jeopardize one of Africa’s last large, ecologically connected wildlife landscapes.

Officials said World Heritage status will help strengthen international support for conservation, provide a framework for long-term protection and guide future development in ways that safeguard the ecosystem.

Since 2022, African Parks has managed Boma and Badingilo national parks under a long-term partnership with the South Sudanese government aimed at improving wildlife protection, supporting local communities and promoting sustainable management of natural resources.

African Parks Chief Executive Officer Peter Fearnhead said the recognition shines a global spotlight on one of the world’s last remaining large-scale natural systems.

“There are very few landscapes left on Earth where a natural system of this scale still exists. World Heritage status will not safeguard the landscape on its own, but it does shine an international spotlight on its importance and helps build the support needed to secure its future,” Fearnhead said.

The nomination was 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, UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature and African Parks.

The inscription marks South Sudan’s first site on the UNESCO World Heritage List since the country gained independence in 2011, placing the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape among the world’s most significant protected natural areas.