By Peter Kuol Kuch
South Sudan Wildlife and Tourism sector launched a new initiative aimed at boosting tourism in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
The move comes as the region grapples with a surge in poaching over the past year, creating a lucrative, although illegal, market for local communities.
The tourism program, which began this week, focuses on Bor, Twic East, and Duk counties in Jonglei State, as well as the Pibor Administrative Area.
Maj. Gen. Deng Adol, director of wildlife conservation in Jonglei State, explained that the initiative is a direct response to the escalating poaching crisis.
“On our first trip, we covered 103 miles, including Gadiang and parts of Duk. Along the way, we encountered a significant amount of wildlife. Yesterday, the team left for Pibor to continue the tour,” said Maj. Gen. Deng.
He also noted that poaching activities have decreased following a crackdown on poachers in Bor over the past three days.
“After these few days of consistent enforcement, the level of poaching has decreased. Previously, there was rampant killing of wildlife, and bush meat was commonly seen, but that has now diminished.”
Maj. Gen. Adol emphasized the importance of wildlife as a major national resource that can generate foreign income.
He stated, “When we toured Gadiang area, we saw a lot of wildlife, which is encouraging. It indicates that wildlife is crucial for the national economy through tourism.”
He warned that strict measures would be taken against individuals who engage in wildlife killing for consumption, as outlined in the Wildlife Act.
The wildlife tourism initiative is being led by the National Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, in collaboration with members of the Jonglei State Parliament.