Local Businesses Asked to Join Climate Fight in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A new climate change initiative has been launched in Yei River County by the African Democracy and Resilience Network (ADRN), calling on local communities to adopt sustainable practices, plant more trees and take urgent steps to protect the environment.

The one day meeting in Yei brought together over 40 representatives from government offices, civil society organisations, women and youth associations, faith groups, business communities and traditional leadership structures. The goal was to promote practical, community led responses to the escalating effects of climate change.

Izaru James, Senior Programme Officer at ADRN, said the initiative is designed to directly support 12,000 residents while indirectly benefiting more than 65,000 people across the county.

“We are working with key partners including the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment, community leaders and faith based organisations to implement effective solutions,” he stated.

ADRN’s Climate Policy Officer, Mercy Eliane, emphasised the need to translate climate policy into local action.

“This project is about turning climate pledges into real impact,” she said. “It is  vital that vulnerable groups like internally displaced persons and those living with disabilities are included in these efforts, as they are often the most affected.”

She also called on local businesses to take more responsibility, noting that some practices contribute directly to environmental degradation.

“Private sector actors must shift toward sustainable operations if we are to make progress,” she added.

Local officials expressed support for the project, highlighting the need for grassroots ownership and implementation. Government representative Isaac Peter Zachayo welcomed the tree planting efforts and encouraged ADRN to ensure the initiative benefits those living in rural and high risk areas first.

During the discussions, several stakeholders raised concerns about the ongoing environmental destruction in the county. James Tombura highlighted the absence of tree planting clubs in most schools across the county’s five payams.

“Currently, only two schools have these clubs. We need to introduce them across all institutions if we are serious about long term change,” he said.

Another participant, Loduwe Richard Nelson, warned that rampant logging and illegal timber exports to neighbouring Uganda are contributing to widespread deforestation.

“Foreign business operators are taking large quantities of timber across the border. Climate strategies must consider South Sudan’s local realities instead of relying on foreign models,” he urged.

Yei’s Director of Agriculture, Asiki Moses, pledged the government’s full backing for the ADRN programme. He stressed the importance of ensuring policy is effectively implemented to achieve lasting community impact.