The European Union will continue to support environmental conservation and climate resilience in South Sudan, including through the NaturAfrica programme, Deputy Head of Mission to South Sudan said in remarks delivered on 24 July 2026 at the World Conservation Day event in Juba. The speech, published by the EEAS on 28 July 2026, highlighted the EU's commitment to protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable livelihoods in the country.
NaturAfrica, the EU's flagship initiative for conservation and development, protects an area of 431,000 km2 across Africa, benefiting 60 million people with EUR 1.4 billion in grant funding. The programme focuses on sustainable management of key landscapes to conserve biodiversity and wildlife habitat while promoting economic opportunities for local communities.
The Deputy Head of Mission underscored the importance of nature for survival, resilience, and prosperity, noting that South Sudan possesses unique natural resources including vast wetlands, rivers, wildlife, and the Great Nile Migration Landscape. However, the speech acknowledged threats such as droughts, floods, and biodiversity degradation, calling on individuals to take action through reducing waste, pollution, and plastic consumption.
The event, themed around South Sudan's natural wealth, served as a platform to reaffirm collective responsibility for protecting natural resources and endangered species. The EU's support through NaturAfrica aligns with broader efforts to address environmental challenges in the region, though no new funding or specific projects were announced in the remarks.
The EU's continued conservation funding benefits South Sudan's rural communities who depend on natural resources for livelihoods, while also supporting biodiversity conservation. Local authorities gain technical and financial support for sustainable resource management. However, the programme's long-term effectiveness depends on addressing underlying drivers of environmental degradation, including conflict and weak governance. Conservation NGOs and international partners benefit from EU funding but may face challenges in coordinating with national institutions. The speech did not outline new commitments beyond existing NaturAfrica activities, limiting immediate material impact on stakeholders.