Government officials in Eastern Equatoria State, lawmakers, conservation actors, peacebuilding organizations, and community representatives have called for stronger cooperation, education investment, improved security, and responsible natural resource management to protect the Kidepo Game Reserve and promote sustainable development in South Sudan’s Greater Kidepo Valley landscape.
The call was made during a two-day stakeholders’ meeting that kicked off in Torit on Wednesday under the Fostering Peace and Natural Resource Governance (FOPNAG) Project, a programme aimed at linking peacebuilding with conservation efforts.
The meeting brought together representatives from government institutions, conservation organizations, peace actors, and local communities to discuss challenges affecting Kidepo Game Reserve, opportunities for tourism development, and ways of strengthening cooperation between communities and conservation authorities.
The FOPNAG Project is funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by partners including Enjojo Foundation, Saferworld, the Government of Eastern Equatoria State, and Veterinaires Sans Frontières Germany (VSF Germany).
Speaking during the meeting, Kristien Debref, Founder and Executive Director of Enjojo Foundation, emphasized that conservation and peace efforts cannot succeed through one organization alone, calling for collective responsibility among government, communities, and partners. He said Enjojo Foundation depends on cooperation from all stakeholders because protecting Kidepo requires joint efforts.
“It is not just Enjojo, because Enjojo cannot do anything without all of you. Everyone of us has a specific role to play in this whole thing,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of education, community development, and infrastructure improvement in areas surrounding Kidepo Valley.
According to Debref, many children in the area are not attending school, and supporting education, including possible school feeding programmes, is part of plans as the organization continues seeking resources.
She also spoke about supporting road improvement initiatives, saying better roads would help communities and contribute to development around the conservation areas.
“Roads are very important,” Debref said, adding that while Enjojo may not currently have resources for large-scale road projects, it could support initiatives such as providing fuel for machinery when opportunities arise.
The Enjojo Foundation director also highlighted the Kidepo Kids Initiative, describing it as a project designed to create awareness, inspire children, and promote conservation through cultural performances.
“The idea is that any money generated would go into an educational fund, in the first place for them themselves, but also for other kids,” she said.
Eastern Equatoria State lawmakers said peacebuilding efforts must include education because communities without access to schools remain vulnerable to conflict and poverty.
Alphonse Muras Chacha, MP representing Ikotos County at the Eastern Equatoria State Parliament, said education is critical in changing community attitudes and reducing violence.
He urged partners to support schools in areas including Ramula, Luluara, Otome, and Chahari, saying many children in Kidepo Valley are out of school.
“When people are educated, their minds are open. They will not think of going to raid,” he stated. “They will be concentrating and competing with the rest of the people around the world.”
Charles Longoli, MP representing Budi County, said Kidepo has enormous tourism potential but warned that insecurity, illegal firearms, alcohol abuse, and poor infrastructure remain major obstacles. He compared the potential of tourism in Kidepo to countries where wildlife and tourism contribute significantly to national development.
“There is no way we can really open tourism if people have guns in their hands,” he said.
The lawmaker called for stronger disarmament efforts and action against harmful practices that affect communities.
Akileo Mboya Peter, State Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports, thanked Enjojo Foundation for creating awareness about peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
He encouraged continued dialogue with communities to strengthen protection of wildlife and natural resources.
“We must continue engaging and talking about peace to our people and to our animals,” he said.
The Kidepo Game Reserve, located in the Greater Kidepo Valley landscape of Eastern Equatoria, is recognized as one of South Sudan’s important protected areas with rich biodiversity and potential for tourism and community development.
The FOPNAG Project aims to support peaceful communities and improved natural resource governance through dialogue, capacity building, and partnerships among government, communities, and conservation actors.
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