The United Nations has placed South Sudan's Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list, marking the country's first World Heritage designation and highlighting threats from insecurity, poaching, wildlife trafficking and infrastructure development.
Antelopes migrate through fields in and around national parks, in South Sudan, June 19, 2024. (Photo: CFP)
The 112,368-square-kilometre landscape spans Boma and Badingilo national parks and surrounding savannas, wetlands and floodplains. It supports one of the world's largest terrestrial mammal migrations, with an estimated six million white-eared kob, tiang antelope, and Mongalla gazelles, moving across the landscape each year.
UNESCO said the site faces serious threats from years of conflict since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, as well as climate change, infrastructure development, commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking. The danger listing is intended to strengthen international cooperation and technical support for the site.
Tourism Minister Denay Jock Chagor described the listing as "a proud and historic moment" for South Sudan, while community representative Paulino Warnyang said it honored "not only the animals and the land, but also the people whose lives, traditions and cultures have always been connected to them". UNESCO designation can also help unlock international funding and boost conservation-focused tourism.