By James Innocent
An activist in Yei River County has issued a stark warning to the public against rampant logging of South Sudan’s precious natural forests.
Justoson Victor Yoasa cautioned that widespread deforestation attracts environmental degradation and undermining efforts to combat climate change.
Yoasa attributed the massive cutting of trees in the country to on-going insecurity and the soaring economic situation. He noted that citizens, unable to meet their daily needs, are turning to destructive practices such as unchecked tree felling for commercial charcoal production.
“The public no longer has respect for nature. I see many trees being cut without replacement, largely because of the current conflict,” Yoasa said. “If there was stability, rules regulating tree cutting could be enforced more effectively.”
The activist further highlighted that households and even some government officials are resorting to the charcoal business as their only means of generating income to support their families.
He however said beyond rampant deforestation poor waste management by the private sector has immensely contributed to climate change through air pollution. He called for increased community awareness on the proper disposal of plastic bottles and other chemical containers.
“When these plastics are dumped in landfills and washed by rain into rivers, they can contaminate water, harm fish, and pose serious health risks, including diseases that can lead to cancer if the toxins enter the food chain,” Yoasa explained.
Recently, concern about deforestation, especially in Central Equatoria State, has grown beyond activists. Loduwe Richard, a resident in Yei, expressed that South Sudan’s future is at risk if large-scale logging continues unregulated.
Richard called for stronger advocacy so that every household understands the ecological and economic value of trees. He urged the National Ministry of Forestry and Environment to tighten regulations on commercial and domestic tree cutting, stating that environmental destruction is accelerating at a faster pace.
Meanwhile, Lugala Amos, the Acting Commissioner for Environment and Forestry in Yei River County, warned residents of greater Yei to stop destroying natural trees, which serve as sources of shade and habitat for wildlife species.
He argued that excessive tree loss is negatively damaging the local climate and livelihoods, particularly for the many families who depend on forest resources for income.