Ministry of Wildlife develops roadmap to demarcate protected area — Eye Radio

The Land Use Planning Committee at the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism (MWCT) has drafted a roadmap for the demarcation and implementation procedures of protected areas.

The framework outlines the specific responsibilities of MWCT, line ministries, local communities, and technical partners. The resolutions require community consultations, land surveying, and official documentation of protected lands.

Martin Ring Malek, Deputy Chairperson of the MWCT Land Use Committee, confirmed at the conclusion of a two-day technical workshop in Juba that the committee will establish operational timelines and task allocations.

“Most of our protected areas were demarcated a long time ago,” Malek said.

“Due to inadequate record management, some documents are missing, some records were lost during the war. Over time, there have been instances of encroachment by individuals into protected areas.

“These areas may be reclaimed and individuals asked to vacate based on agreed-upon procedures. They will be shown another place as part of this process.”

Malek added that the committee will engage landowners and local residents in land use decisions.

Director General of Tourism Simon Chudier Michael stated that establishing legal boundaries will enable the ministry to generate revenue while preserving wildlife habitats.

“We are planning to establish new tourism facilities within the parks,” Chudier said.

“This demarcation will help us identify suitable areas for these developments while preserving the natural habitat… Since the land is protected by the national government, communities will retain ownership and understand how these initiatives can support their livelihoods and generate revenue for the country.”

African Parks South Sudan facilitated the two-day technical workshop on protected area demarcation and policy development.