Boma-Badingilo endorsed for global status

JUBA – South Sudan has formally endorsed the Boma-Badingilo landscape for global recognition, marking a historic step toward international recognition of the country’s natural heritage.

The endorsement, approved by the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and the Ministry of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, paves the way for the Boma-Badingilo to be inscribed on the World Heritage List.

The vast landscape encompasses Boma National Park and Badingilo National Park, two protected areas renowned for hosting one of the world’s largest terrestrial mammal migrations.

In his remarks during the endorsement on Monday in Juba, Denay Jock Chagor, the Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, described the move as a milestone in the country’s environmental protection efforts.

“Today is a wonderful day that we are celebrating the work that has been done and the work that will continue to be done. As it was said by the Director General, it’s not easy work, and I also contribute to the individual who lost his life working on this. Historians tell us that to come together, we must work together,” Jock said.

He said global recognition would strengthen conservation measures, attract international partnerships, and promote sustainable tourism.

“But we’re coming together, and we’re turning the page, and we’re telling the world that we can also have peace, and we can also contribute to the unity of the entire globe.”

Sarah Nyanath, Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, expressed hope that the nomination will enhance environmental protection initiatives.

“We shall stand in support of South Sudan. The need for our national heritage to be protected, such as Boma-Badingilo, is something very important,” said Nyanath.

She said the endorsement reflects its commitment to safeguarding biodiversity while balancing conservation with community development

“Our national heritage, least of items, is not just going to be about Boma-Badingilo. It’s not just going to be about soup. It’s not just going to be about the Deim Zubier, the celebrity roots,” she said.

“It is more. There will be more to come. And this is where we are counting on UNESCO support and collaboration. And when we work as a team, now we are here, two ministries.”

If inscribed, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape would become South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site.

Its recognition would highlight the country’s exceptional natural heritage while contributing to conservation, sustainable development, and peacebuilding efforts in the world’s youngest nation.

In November 2017, South Sudan submitted three natural and cultural sites to the UN cultural agency for consideration as world heritage sites.

The sites are the Sudd Wetlands, Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape, and the Deim Zubier Slave Route.