The development of a sustainable wildlife sector in South Sudan, leveraging oil revenues, requires a multifaceted approach that addresses conservation, economic diversification, governance, and community engagement.
South Sudan possesses significant natural wealth, particularly oil, which has historically dominated its economy but has also been a source of conflict and governance challenges. The country’s economic development has been heavily influenced by oil, with its secession from Sudan in 2011 leading to significant shocks for both economies. Effective management of oil revenues is crucial for national stability and growth. Presenting an opportunity to fund alternative sectors, such as wildlife tourism, would be an advantage for future generations.
A practical roadmap for developing the wildlife sector, using oil money, would involve several key components, including:
1. Strengthening wildlife conservation and protection:
South Sudan’s wildlife is diverse and abundant, but conservation has historically been hampered by fuel shortages, inaccessible terrain, and poaching—especially of elephants due to ivory demand. The Wildlife Service (WLS) has endured for over a century, despite poor state capacity, chronic insecurity, and food scarcity in the protected areas. The country hosts endangered species, such as the African wild dog and the cheetah, which require large territories for survival, making conservation challenging amidst human encroachment.
A portion of oil revenues should be allocated to wildlife conservation. Such funding can support anti-poaching units, park rangers, and wildlife monitoring. Research indicates that South Sudan’s oil sector remains a significant contributor to the economy, offering potential investment opportunities. The optimal management of these revenues is critical for financial sustainability.
Investment in training and equipping park rangers and wildlife professionals is essential. This includes providing the infrastructure, vehicles, and communication equipment to patrol and protect vast protected areas effectively. Technology transfer policies, though often focused on the oil sector, could be adapted to bring expertise to wildlife management.
The country has national parks such as Badingilo. Expanding and effectively managing these protected areas, along with creating new ones, can safeguard biodiversity.
2. Developing sustainable wildlife tourism:
Wildlife tourism can generate revenue and provide incentives for conservation. However, its feasibility is challenged by various factors, such as infrastructure development. Oil money can fund the development of tourism infrastructure, such as roads, lodges, and communication networks, to make wildlife areas accessible and appealing.
There should be investment in international marketing to promote South Sudan as a wildlife tourism destination, highlighting its unique biodiversity and untouched wilderness.
Implementing community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) models can ensure that local communities benefit directly from wildlife tourism. This approach, which has been successful in other African contexts, shifts management from state-centrism to one involving diverse actors and local populations. Such initiatives foster positive attitudes towards wildlife and provide incentives for conservation.
There should also be the establishment of clear policies and regulations for wildlife tourism that ensure sustainability, equitable benefit-sharing, and minimal negative impacts on wildlife and local communities.
3. Economic diversification and non-oil revenue generation:
South Sudan’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, whose revenues account for a substantial portion of the government’s income. Diversifying the economy is crucial for long-term stability. Oil money should be invested in other sectors, such as wildlife, which faces challenges in revenue collection and mobilization.
Engaging in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in developing the wildlife sector could bring in expertise and investment, while ensuring government oversight to reduce reliance on oil.
Governance challenges should be addressed. Transparent and accountable management of oil revenues is paramount. Experiences show that the allocation of rents within the political marketplace in procurement has been funded by oil income. Improved governance can ensure that funds designated for the wildlife sector are not subject to corruption. The financial sustainability of oil resources is critical, and revenue management practices play a pivotal role.
4. Community Engagement and Empowerment:
Local communities living near wildlife areas often bear the costs of conservation, such as human-wildlife conflict, and must be central to conservation. In South Sudan, attitudes towards wildlife, such as the Nile crocodiles, can vary, with some communities utilizing them for meat and hides.
Benefit-sharing mechanisms should be effected. Design systems where communities directly benefit from wildlife protection, for instance, through employment in tourism, revenue sharing from park fees, or local projects. This approach recognizes that the success of wildlife conservation is intricately linked to the well-being and involvement of the local populations.
Awareness should be conducted to educate communities about wildlife conservation, its benefits, and strategies for mitigating human-wildlife conflicts.
Local communities should be involved in the planning and management of wildlife resources, giving them a stake in the conservation outcomes.
5. Regulatory framework and international collaboration:
Establishing robust regulatory frameworks and fostering international partnerships are vital for long-term success.
Develop comprehensive national wildlife policies and laws that align with international best practices in conservation and sustainable tourism. While robust regulatory frameworks often exist, policy-practice gaps can hinder implementation.
Another strategy is seeking support from international organizations, conservation NGOs, and donor countries to access technical expertise, funding, and capacity-building. External actors have historically been engaged in South Sudan, providing humanitarian and development assistance.
There should also be investment in research and monitoring of wildlife and ecosystems to inform conservation strategies and assess the effectiveness of interventions.
By examining the evolution of wildlife management in Zimbabwe and other countries—from state-centric models to community-based approaches—it becomes clear how involving local communities can increase their benefits and enhance their willingness to conserve wildlife. This model can be adapted for South Sudan, allowing oil revenues to flow into community development linked to conservation.
The shift towards developing the wildlife sector with oil money presents both opportunities and challenges. While oil revenues offer a significant resource, the volatility of prices can impact economic growth and development.
The potential for new oil discoveries in basins like those in Upper Nile and Jonglei State, as indicated by geological characteristics and hydrocarbon accumulation patterns, could sustain funding for an extended period. However, exploration also poses significant threats to wildlife and biodiversity.
A careful balance between resource extraction and environmental protection is crucial. Political stability and effective governance are foundational to the success of this roadmap, as South Sudan has faced significant challenges in maintaining sovereignty and resolving civil conflict. The integration of conservation goals into broader economic and developmental strategies is essential for ensuring a sustainable future for South Sudan’s wildlife and its people.
The writer, Leek Daniel, is a media specialist and development practitioner. He can be reached via email: 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.