U.S. Supports Ecotourism, Growth in South Sudan

The U.S. government has inaugurated the Boma National Park Headquarters in a pristine wildlife area of South Sudan's Jonglei state, drawing attention to the important role that protected area management and good local government infrastructure can play in the country's development. The park headquarters was built with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Through this and similar efforts, the United States aims to promote security, stability, ecotourism and economic growth in South Sudan, especially in the country's more isolated regions, USAID said March 9.

Representing the U.S. government at the headquarters' opening event, U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Susan D. Page said, "It is so important that we continue to work together to preserve this area and its wildlife, which are threatened by hasty and unplanned development, or by wildlife poachers, who would ruin a world treasure for their own short-term benefit." Established in 1986, when South Sudan was part of Sudan, Boma National Park covers 20,000 square kilometers of woodland savanna and grassland in Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria states. The park protects one of the largest intact savanna ecosystems in East Africa, hosting significant wildlife populations, including elephants, giraffe, buffalo, numerous antelopes (including common eland, lesser kudu, Bohor reedbuck, gazelles, tiang, Lelwel hartebeest, Beisa oryx and roan) and an impressive diversity of migratory birds.

Boma also hosts major breeding grounds for the 750,000-strong white-eared kob migration and provides key dry-season forage for other migratory antelopes. Jonglei state, particularly the remote regions around the park, has been marked by ongoing instability and insecurity. Rebel militias are in the area, and fighting between ethnic groups is fueled by the prevalence of small arms, lack of a government presence and inaccessibility in the rainy season due to the absence of roads. Protected area management will play a critical role in strengthening local government and improving security, in addition to protecting biodiversity and providing a sustainable foundation for economic growth. USAID and the Wildlife Conservation Society are supporting the South Sudan Wildlife Forces in conducting law enforcement and developing security partnerships with other armed forces and local communities.

The United States provides a wide array of assistance to support South Sudan's development. USAID is focused on making the new nation increasingly stable by helping the government deliver basic services to citizens and provide effective, inclusive and accountable governance. It also works to diversify the economy and combat poverty.