How the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba is saving South Sudan land cover, one tree at a time

Following a critical analysis of the positive impact this initiative could have in buttressing the country against extreme climatic conditions, the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba has extended an olive branch

By Anak Dut

For many years, South Sudan has remained susceptible to the effects of climate change- the extreme heatwaves, increased flooding and persistent drought, which have exacerbated food insecurity and disrupted livelihoods across the country.

Millions have been displaced, killed or threatened by the climatic conditions. Thousands of families tucked together in communities have had to seek refuge elsewhere, as schools remain closed and farmlands uncultivated.

To rub salt into the wound, widespread cutting of trees have left land without its natural defences, making it even more vulnerable to flooding in the future,

It is against this backdrop that the national Ministry of Environment and Forestry  launched a campaign to plant more than four million trees across Central and Eastern Equatoria states as part of the overall mission to plant 100 million trees by the next decade- an initiative launched by President Salva Kiir in 2023.

And it was for a good reason. Barely one year ago, South Sudan  was hit with  extreme heat waves, which forced government to temporarily close down schools. As one of the counter-measures, observes suggested planting of trees to develop a micro-climate in schools; ultimately have trees hat not only provide shade to the students, but also fruits for nutritional needs.

The Ethiopian embassy approach

Following a critical analysis of the positive impact this initiative could have in buttressing the country against such extreme climatic conditions, the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba threw its best foot forward.

On July 19, the Embassy supported the tree planting initiative by planting more than 200  different tree species at the University of Juba. They began by planting 100 tree seedlings of two species.  The first was the mango seedlings, to ensure that the branches of the massive tree provides the much-needed shade once it matures, and also fruits.

The second species was the Chuka, planted mainly along the fence to act as as ornamental tree.

Speaking to City Review on the initiative, Simon Duku,  the Assistant Professor of Horticultural Science at the University said the  Green Legacy program was introduced by the Embassy of the Republic of Ethiopia in South Sudan to extend the overall vision of the initiative started by the Ethiopian President.

He said this is the first year the project is starting in South Sudan, at the University’s farm, which will offer technical aspects to the project.

“By planting some indigenous trees which are threatened by extinction especially due to this logging and burning of charcoal, we are protecting the environment and humanity. People just cut  trees without knowing the dangers they pose to the ecosystem,” he said.

That is why the initiative will mainly be handled by the university students, who plant, watch the trees grow and leave them in the school vicinity as part of their campus legacy, he explained.

“Even after their graduation they will be coming to see how these trees are performing.  And they will be proudly say ‘look, this is the tree I planted.  I planted these trees!’ he added.

Simon said  due to the hard economic situation, if the   administration get resources then the project will be  expanded beyond the boundaries of the university campuses  as the students are the ambassadors of the project and  various states, various towns of the Republic of South Sudan.

” We will all reap the benefit of planting trees all over South Sudan. To face the challenges of environmental and climatic change caused by this unregulated cutting of the trees,” He added.

“The  trees are for the use of everybody who is going to be in the campus  for  shed ,consumption when the fruits are ripe and not for commercial purpose.because  we just want to transform our campuses to be a green campus.”

He said despite the project being carried out by the students  the administration will try to inject in some resources to maintain the trees especially during the dry season by providing water  So that these trees they grow and they stabilize. “Once the tree is stabilized it doesn’t need watering even during dry season.”

Duku said this is the biggest green project involving tree planting that has ever been undertaken at the university.

Ethiopia’s olive branch

Speaking at the launch ceremony, the Charge d’Affairs at the Ethiopian Embassy in South Sudan, Mr. Solomon Mamo said the Ethiopian government is ready to share its experience in the fight against climate change with the South Sudanese youth.

“Since 2019, Ethiopia has planted 25 billion tree seedlings of different types, including those bearing edible fruits,” Mamo said

He said the Embassy is committed to safeguarding the environment in the country, and that a Green Legacy Initiative in Ethiopia has increased Forest cover from 17.2% in 2019 to 23.6% in 2024 with the target of reaching 30%, by the year 2030.

This year, Ethiopia is targeting 7.5 billion seedlings planted during this rainy season, a mark set by the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed.

“To mitigate land degradation and climate change, while promoting it for a good reason, the Ethiopian government is ready to work together with others, including South Sudan, to pursue this noble mission,” the embassy official said.

The event brought together more than 250 participants, including academicians, government representatives, students, youths and the Ethiopian community in Juba.