South Sudan, World Vision ink deal to strengthen fight against climate change

JUBA – South Sudan’s ministry of environment and forestry on Thursday signed a five-year project deal worth 33 million U.S. dollars to strengthen community resilience on climate change in the country.

The project entitled “Watershed Approach for Climate Resilient Agro Pastoral Landscape in South Sudan” will be to be implement by World Vision in partnership with the UNDP and government.

The project which targets 25,000 people in Aweil Center and Aweil East of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Juba, Dr. Mesfin Lola, Country Director of World Vision in South Sudan said the project will improve the wellbeing of people in targeted communities.

“We are organization are truly honored to partner with government of South Sudan and UNDP to implement this large project for climate resilient, it is timely, it is significant, and it is a very important project for South Sudan,” he said.

“An exemplary project for other countries in the region, even built on what South Sudan is facing from climate related impact which is very significant,” he added.

For her part, Josephine Napwon Cosmos, Minister of Environment and Forestry, said the project will introduce smart Agricole.

“As you all know, climate change is currently the number one issue affecting the world and South Sudan is among the countries in the region that most affected,” he said.

“The country is currently experiencing severe heat, waves, droughts, and unpredictable rain patterns. To address this impact, the Ministry of Environment has developed climate strategies and projects to mitigate and adopt these impacts,” said Napwon.

Meanwhile, Mr. Dominic Sam, UNDP Resident Representative in South Sudan said Watershed Approaches for Climate Resilience project embodies our collective commitment to sustainable development and resilience in South Sudan.

“This project spearheads responsive climate adaptation efforts in the agricultural sector by integrating climate change strategies into national policies and bolstering local extension services,” he said.

“The focus extends to resilient agriculture and food value chains, where we are implementing climate-smart practices to mitigate crop failure risks and enhance food security and economic independence for 25,000 individuals,” Sam said.

He said the project is seeking to add value to 15,000 hectares of land through sustainable land and water management practices.

This initiative aims to mitigate climate impacts, preserve ecosystem services, and bolster agricultural productivity.

It is supported by Global Environment Facility, UNDP and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.