JUBA – South Sudan on Tuesday celebrated the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List, describing the recognition as a historic milestone for the country’s natural heritage and a major achievement for conservation efforts.
The announcement was made during the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea, where South Sudan’s nomination was approved on 26 July 2024.
Addressing reporters upon arrival at Juba International Airport on Tuesday, the minister of culture, museums, and national heritage, Sarah Nyanath, described the moment as a turning point in the country’s history.
“Today we return home carrying one of the greatest achievements in our nation’s cultural and natural heritage history,” Nyanath told journalists on Tuesday.
“The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been officially inscribed. It is not an assumption anymore. Today we are members of the world heritage.”
Nyanath said the recognition was not only an achievement for her ministry but also a victory for all South Sudanese.
“It is a source of pride for Africa and the world at large and a valuable contribution to the heritage of all humanity.”
The minister said the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo landscape on the UNESCO World Heritage List presents South Sudan with new opportunities to advance conservation, promote scientific research, develop sustainable tourism, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.
“You can participate through Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape activities that will be done jointly at the global level, continental level, regional level, and national level,” she said.
Nyanath cautioned that the new status comes with greater responsibility to protect, preserve, and sustainably manage the Boma-Badingilo landscape for future generations.
“Our work does not end with this inscription. As we bring home the joy of this inscription, the work now begins.”
She urged communities and authorities to protect the area from threats such as poaching, illegal land grabbing, and destruction of forests.
“Whether seeing the poachers killing our animals, or land grabbers going to construct within the landscape, or those clearing forests disturbing communities living within this landscape, we need no gun,” she said.
“We need no land grabbers. We need no tree cutters. Please do the positive things that add value to this landscape.”
The minister also used the occasion to urge South Sudan’s youth to reject violence and embrace peace, unity, and constructive participation in building the country’s future.
“Time for guns is down. It is time for us to act now and do peaceful things,” she said.
She thanked UNESCO, African Parks, technical experts, local communities, and international partners, including Japan, France, and Egypt, for supporting South Sudan’s successful bid.
“Our Africans, brothers and sisters, who are permanent representatives within UNESCO, stood as one block to support us. This is excellent,” she said.
However, she stressed that maintaining the World Heritage status would require collective effort from the government, communities, and citizens.
She stated, “Every South Sudanese has a role to play in safeguarding this priceless treasure.”
The UNESCO World Heritage List is a global list of places recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having outstanding universal value to humanity.
For South Sudan, the recognition marks the first time a site within its territory has received World Heritage status since the country gained independence in 2011.
The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape covers a vast ecosystem in eastern South Sudan and is home to one of the world’s largest wildlife migrations, including millions of antelopes moving across the landscape.
It is also recognized for its biodiversity, natural habitats, and cultural importance.
The inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape places South Sudan on the global heritage map and provides a new opportunity for the country to showcase its natural beauty while promoting peace, conservation, and sustainable development.
