Climate change has a significant impact on wildlife conservation in South Sudan, a country already struggling with environmental fragility, recurring conflicts, and a high dependence on natural resources.
The primary challenges posed to wildlife by climate change include habitat degradation, altered ecological processes, increased competition for resources, and heightened vulnerability to human-wildlife conflict.
South Sudan is characterized by frequent droughts, high rainfall variability, and a fragile economy, largely dependent on agricultural production, making it highly vulnerable to climate variability. These climatic shifts directly affect wildlife habitats. For instance, the Sudd wetlands, one of the largest and most important wetlands globally, are crucial for numerous wildlife species, particularly fish that form the basis of local livelihoods. Changes such as altered rainfall patterns and increased temperatures lead to habitat degradation and water availability, which in turn impact fish populations and the broader aquatic ecosystem. This directly affects species dependent on these habitats for survival, breeding, and foraging, potentially leading to population declines and ecosystem imbalances.
The impacts extend beyond aquatic environments. Deforestation, often exacerbated by climate-related pressures such as energy poverty, alters forest ecosystems that are crucial for many terrestrial species. Studies on regions south of 10°N in Sudan, which shares ecological characteristics with South Sudan, indicate that deforestation significantly impacts precipitation and surface temperature during the rainy season, thereby changing local climate patterns essential for plant and animal life. The conversion of forest and vegetation cover to grass, for example, can further alter regional climate, making areas less suitable for forest-dependent wildlife.
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, also pose direct threats to wildlife. Flooding in various regions, such as Upper Nile and parts of Bahr el-Ghazal, has created significant obstacles to protecting lives and property. These events also disrupt wildlife movements, breeding cycles, and access to food and water. The displacement of wildlife due to these events can lead to increased human-wildlife conflict as animals venture into human settlements in search of food and other resources.
The interlinked challenges of energy poverty and climate change in South Sudan contribute to the degradation of natural resources. Communities relying on traditional biomass for energy often contribute to deforestation, further stressing wildlife habitats. This creates a negative feedback loop where climate change impacts drive communities to unsustainable practices, which in turn further accelerate environmental degradation, ultimately harming wildlife.
The South Sudanese government’s and its partners’ role in reducing risks to wildlife conservation is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach.
The government needs to develop and enforce robust conservation policies that integrate climate change considerations. This includes protecting key wildlife habitats, such as the Sudd wetlands and the remaining forests, through the establishment and management of protected areas. Policies should also promote land use that prevents deforestation and habitat fragmentation.
Promoting climate-smart agricultural practices can reduce pressure on natural habitats by increasing productivity, thereby lessening the need for agricultural expansion into wildlife areas. Farmers in South Sudan were already experiencing significant climate variability, necessitating adaptation. Supporting communities in diversifying their livelihoods away from solely relying on climate-sensitive activities can also reduce their reliance on natural resources that are critical for wildlife, thereby indirectly benefiting conservation. This includes providing training and financial access for sustainable practices.
Effective management of water resources is critical, particularly in areas like the Sudd wetlands, where communities and wildlife are highly dependent on water. This involves developing strategies to manage water levels, mitigating the impacts of floods and droughts, and ensuring equitable access for both humans and the ecosystems. Legislative approaches, such as pre-emption rights and regulations for flood retention areas, could be adapted from other countries to facilitate land management for flood risk reduction.
Transitioning to renewable energy sources is essential to mitigate climate change globally and locally, reducing the reliance on biomass fuels that contribute to deforestation. While South Sudan faces energy poverty, promoting sustainable sources aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 7, 9, 13) and can help alleviate pressure on natural forests, indirectly benefiting wildlife.
Engaging communities in conservation is paramount. Communities, such as those in parts of Lakes State and Greater Jonglei, particularly in Bor County, are directly affected by the nexus between climate change, conflict, and gender, and their perspectives are crucial for developing strategies. Participatory workshops and stakeholder-engaged research can help identify local concerns and co-create adaptation and mitigation strategies that are actionable at the local level. Raising awareness about the impacts of climate change on wildlife and the benefits of conservation among local populations can foster a sense of stewardship and responsibility.
Collaboration with international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and scientific bodies is crucial for South Sudan to access funding, technical expertise, and capacity-building for wildlife conservation and climate change adaptation. The Climate and Environment Charter for Humanitarian Organizations, signed by numerous global humanitarian actors, underscores a sector-wide recognition of the crucial role humanitarians play in addressing climate change and environmental degradation, which can also extend to wildlife conservation. Such partnerships are vital for enhancing adaptive capacity and implementing integrated mitigation and adaptation strategies, which are integral components of climate resilience.
Given the strong links between climate change, resource scarcity, and conflict in South Sudan, addressing underlying conflicts is essential for conservation. Resource-based conflicts can destabilize areas critical for wildlife and hinder conservation. Peacebuilding, coupled with climate adaptation strategies, can create a more stable environment for both communities and wildlife.
By implementing these steps, the South Sudanese government, in collaboration with partners, can reduce the risks posed to wildlife conservation by climate change, thereby protecting the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations.
Leek Daniel is a media specialist & development practitioner and can be reached via leek2daniel@gmail.com.
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.