By Philip Buda Ladu
Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, Rizik Hassan Zacharia, has announced that it will launch the Wildlife Migration Outlook survey results this month.
The announcement comes after he met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Wednesday. He briefed Kiir about the recent wildlife population census findings in Boma, Badingilo national parks, and the Greater Jonglei landscape.
Speaking to the media after their meeting, Rizik revealed the tip of the iceberg in the survey findings, saying the young East African country has been identified as the country with the highest mammal migration in the world.
“South Sudan is the largest country with the most mammal migration globally, and I briefed the president about those aspects of migration,” Rizik stated.
The minister added that he informed the president about the upcoming launch of South Sudan’s Wildlife Migration Outlook.
“We set a date for launching this migration (outlook survey), and hopefully it will take place on the 18th of June,” he stated.
Rizik emphasized that the launch also aims to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in the country.
“I briefed him (the President) about the general prospects of wildlife and tourism in the Republic of South Sudan,” he continued. “In wildlife and the other areas that were not included within migration and tourism.”
The Minister further revealed that they have started managing tourism operations within those protected national game park areas.
“There are some vibrant companies that are working on this,” he added.
President Salva Kiir commended Minister Rizik Hassan for his efforts in wildlife conservation and pledged his support for future conservation initiatives.
The Head of State also emphasized the importance of preserving the nation’s natural heritage for future generations and expressed his commitment to enhancing wildlife protection measures.
In January this year, the government, in collaboration with the African Tourism Board (ATB), signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting the tourism industry in the country.
Dr. James Wani Igga, the Vice President for Economic Cluster, said during the signing ceremony that the tourism sector plays a major role in the development of a country.
He underscored that the success of the tourism industry in every country happens when it is managed by the private sector and the government develops policies.
Igga blamed the weakness of the wildlife tourism sector in South Sudan on inadequate infrastructure and policies for its management.
“Tourism industry development should be led by the private sector, with the public sector providing the necessary enabling environment through appropriate policy measures and support, infrastructure improvements, and substantial institutional reforms that affect the organization,” Igga noted.
Mr. Simphiwe Culberth, representative of the African Tourism Board (ATB), earlier demonstrated their willingness as an organization to promote the South Sudan tourism sector on an international level.
He added that the world is knowledgeable about how resourceful South Sudan is, with several African heritages.
Culberth emphasized their role in ensuring that South Sudan is a prosperous country by attracting tourists from around the globe.
He, however, hinted that most foreign investors fear coming to South Sudan due to the description of the country as business-unfriendly as a result of wars and brutality.