By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan Ministry of Environment and Forestry has postponed the World Environment Day celebration, which was originally scheduled for 5th June.
The decision comes at a time, the nation is grappling with a host of critical environmental issues, including massive deforestation, uncontrolled plastic pollution dumped in rivers and streams, oil spills in oil fields, and unsustainable solid and liquid waste management practices.
No official reason was provided for the delay in the celebrations, but the Ministry has stated that a new date will be announced for various activities, including tree planting initiatives, clean-up campaigns, and environmental awareness programs.
World Environment Day (WED) is held annually on June 5th. This year’s theme is “Our land, our future,” with the campaign slogan “We are Generation Restoration.” The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting the global event.
The postponement comes as South Sudan grapples with the aftermath of extreme heat waves followed by heavy rains that caused widespread damage to farmland and property.
In a press statement, the Minister of Environment and Forestry, Josephin Napwon Cosmos, acknowledged several critical environmental issues facing the country such as massive deforestation, uncontrolled plastic pollution dumped in rivers and streams, Oil pollution in the oil fields, and unsustainable solid and liquid waste management
The Minister urged citizens to adopt environmentally friendly livelihood alternatives.
The press release highlighted the critical role a healthy environment plays in providing clean drinking water, Purifying air maintaining soil balance among others.
“It is important for every individual to save and protect our environment because existence on the planet earth depends on our actions on nature (Environment),” the statement reads.
The Minister urged residents living in low-lying areas and floodplains to relocate to higher ground to avoid potential loss of life and property.
Additionally, the statement encouraged citizens in towns and cities across the country to dig drainage channels to direct rainwater runoff into rivers and streams.
This year’s World Environment Day aims to unite people and sectors to restore lands lost to desertification through science-based, impactful actions.