Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, on Friday marked World Environment Day 2026 with calls for stronger environmental protection, as officials and community leaders urged improved waste management, reforestation and local conservation measures.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, focuses on urgent climate action and nature-based solutions. This year’s theme is “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future”.
Speaking on behalf of the Public Health Department, Remo Jackson urged residents to dispose of non-biodegradable waste responsibly, particularly plastics.
“We are so much affected by polythene papers and bags, plastic bottles. These things are disposable. It is our responsibility, you and me, to make sure that all this waste we dispose of is properly collected, managed and put in the right places,” he said.
Kinji Secondary School head teacher Lasuba Jackson called for expanded tree planting in schools, saying it would improve air quality and create healthier learning conditions.
“If we destroy our trees, we will have what we call global warming, like the heatwave we experienced last year. But if we have enough trees around schools, I think we would not say schools should be closed. These trees will produce fresh air for a conducive environment for learning,” he said.
Gama Joseph, Commissioner for Environment, said environmental degradation was contributing to worsening climate conditions in the area and urged stronger enforcement measures.
“We are joining the world to remember this day and to remind ourselves to reflect on our environment. Are we handling it responsibly or carelessly? If we are careless, in Yei today we are experiencing a dry spell, farmers are crying all over, there is no rain and we are also experiencing heatwaves. These happen because we did not manage our environment,” he said.
Joseph called for bylaws to regulate deforestation and curb the unregulated transport of timber to Juba.
Deputy Executive Director of Yei River County, Isaac Peter Zakayo, warned that environmental degradation could increase health risks, including disease outbreaks, and cautioned against animals roaming in residential areas.
“We have outbreaks. We have heard about Ebola outbreaks in our two neighbouring countries. Some of these have been caused by environmental changes, which we need to be cautious about,” he said.
The commemoration began with a cleanup exercise at Yei Civil Hospital, where participants collected and disposed of waste, and ended with tree planting at Kinji Secondary School, symbolising a renewed commitment to environmental conservation in Yei River County.
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