[PRESS RELEASE] – Satellite Tracking Enhances Wildlife Protection in Boma and Badingilo Parks

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, African Parks and the European Union have marked World Nature Conservation Day 2025 with a renewed call for joint efforts to safeguard the country’s unique natural landscapes.

Although often overshadowed by humanitarian and political crises, South Sudan’s rich ecological heritage remains one of the country’s most valuable but vulnerable assets. The Sudd wetlands, vast savannahs and seasonal migration corridors continue to support both wildlife and human communities, offering potential for tourism, conservation and sustainable livelihoods.

In August 2022, the Government of South Sudan signed a 10 year agreement with conservation NGO African Parks to manage Boma and Badingilo National Parks, spanning Jonglei, Central Equatoria and Eastern Equatoria states. These parks form part of the Great Nile Migration Landscape, home to the world’s largest land mammal migration, including the iconic white eared kob.

Since then, the partnership has made notable early progress. With financial and technical support from the EU and other international partners, African Parks South Sudan has recorded encouraging data on the presence of resident species such as elephants, giraffe, buffalo, eland, ostrich, roan, oryx, waterbuck and large predators.

Many of these species remain present in very small numbers. Based on historical records, some populations are now less than one percent of their levels in the 1970s. Buffalo and waterbuck, for instance, are now mostly confined to areas with year round water, a resource becoming increasingly scarce.

So far, conservation teams have identified 330 elephants and 220 giraffes across the two parks. These efforts are supported by satellite collaring, which is allowing more than 200 animals to be monitored in real time. Upgraded control rooms now enable round the clock surveillance of critical habitats, helping to improve both response times and long term planning.

Beyond wildlife tracking, the partnership also includes community outreach. Conservation teams are engaging directly with local residents, helping to promote peaceful coexistence with wildlife while improving livelihoods. Projects include beekeeping and honey production, school based environmental education and rural infrastructure development.

These activities are aimed at building grassroots support for conservation, while also offering alternatives to harmful practices such as poaching or unsustainable farming.

Efforts are also underway to develop nature based tourism. A natural tourist camp is scheduled to open in Maruwa, Pibor Administrative Area by 2026. This would be the first of its kind in South Sudan, marking a new direction in eco-tourism and sustainable economic development.

The European Union has played a central role in funding and promoting these initiatives. According to EU Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, protecting biodiversity can also support peace and economic development.

“The EU stands with South Sudan. Protecting nature here means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the future of a region that matters to the world,” he said.

The project’s long term aim is to create resilient ecosystems while providing social and economic benefits to nearby communities. General Khamis Adieng, Director General for Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, described the partnership as a “paradigm shift” in conservation management, combining technology, community development, and environmental protection. “This partnership proves that South Sudan can safeguard its greatest natural asset while uplifting the people who depend on it,” he said.

Dorette Smit, African Parks’ country representative in South Sudan, added that working closely with communities and the government is laying the groundwork for long-term impact. “We’ve laid the groundwork for lasting conservation, supporting communities’ alternative ways of livelihood,” she said.

To commemorate World Nature Conservation Day, government and international partners issued a joint call for greater coordination in protecting and restoring the Great Nile Migration Landscape. They emphasised that preserving South Sudan’s ecosystems is not just about wildlife, but also about helping people build secure, self sustaining futures.

Celebrating World Nature Conservation Day 2025

Key Wildlife Monitoring Highlights