By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Previous Orders issued by the ministry are ineffective in curbing illegal logging and charcoal trade in South Sudan.
Undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Jaden Tongun Emilio attributes the ineffectiveness of the orders to a lack of punitive clauses for arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment of illegal loggers.
Tongun explained that these orders typically only allow for the confiscation of logging machines, without any provisions for prosecuting the offenders.
This statement follows renewed public outcry over the resurgence of illegal logging activities in Kajo-Kejio County of Central Equatoria State, despite previous bans by both national and state authorities.
The South Sudan Environment and Forestry Bill is currently under review by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Once tabled before the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, it will be forwarded to the Council of Ministers for approval before being signed into law by President Salva Kiir.
Tongun argued that the passage of this bill is crucial, as it will empower authorities to impose hefty fines or imprisonment on illegal loggers and charcoal traders.
“We are hampered by the limitations of ministerial orders, which are merely temporary measures to control or regulate these illegal activities,” said Tongun. “The law will enable us to arrest, investigate, and prosecute offenders, and ensure that those found guilty face appropriate legal consequences.”
He emphasized the urgent need for a multi-pronged approach to address the illegal trade through conducting widespread public awareness campaigns to educate communities about the environmental and economic impacts of illegal logging, the importance of sustainable forest management, the need for collaboration and coordination between National and State government in issuing logging permits increasing the capacity of law enforcement agencies to combat illegal logging and the charcoal trade in the country.
The Undersecretary acknowledged that rampant poverty, insecurity, and high demand for South Sudanese timber and teak products both regionally and internationally are significant drivers of illegal logging and the charcoal business.
He also criticized the involvement of local communities, who often partner with loggers, allowing them to exploit natural resources without proper government authorization.
“Communities often feel a sense of ownership over local forests, leading to unregulated logging,” added the Undersecretary. “This can involve unauthorized harvesting, including hiring others to cut timber without proper guidance or permits. This lack of oversight creates a conflict of interest, potentially enabling illegal logging by individuals who may not have the legal authority to issue permits.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Ling, Lead Environment Specialist at the World Bank, stated that over 75% of the South Sudanese population relies on natural resources such as forests, water bodies, and others for food, water, energy, and traditional medicine.
Ling explained that approximately 30% of South Sudan’s forests are considered natural and in stable condition, distinct from the rest of the country’s forested areas.
He highlighted the country’s potential to generate substantial revenue through carbon sequestration, emphasizing the need for government initiatives to legalize logging and promote community forest restoration programs.
The World Bank further estimated that South Sudan could potentially generate substantial revenue from non-timber forest products, including $500 million from Shea Butter, $150 million from Gum Arabic, and $550 million from honey/wax annually.
“These forests offer significant potential for development through sustainable forest management programs and the harvesting of non-timber forest products,” said Ling.
However, Ling expressed concern over the loss of South Sudan’s valuable teak plantations in West Equatoria State due to unsustainable logging.
He noted that South Sudan possesses one of the oldest teak plantations in Africa, but much of it has been destroyed by illegal logging, with only about 3,000 hectares remaining under the management of the Equatorial Teak Company.
Ling estimated that once fully restored, teak plantations could generate up to $150 million in revenue annually for the government and create numerous job opportunities for the country’s unemployed youth.
The World Bank estimates that the country will require approximately five million dollars in the short to medium term for institutional and legal development, capacity building, technical assistance, and operational costs.
In the long run, an estimated $8.4 million will be needed for plantation establishment incentives, community projects, and other commercial initiatives aimed at tree planting and restoring degraded forest land.