S. Sudan awaits UNESCO decision on first world heritage Site
Author: Diko D Andrew | Published: 14 hours ago
Photo Credit|Courtesy
South Sudan is awaiting a decision by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee on whether to inscribe the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, a move that would make it the country’s first recognized World Heritage Site.
The Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Hon. Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, has travelled to Busan, South Korea, to attend the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, where the nomination will be considered.
Speaking before her departure, Nyanath expressed optimism that the delegation would return with positive news.
“The delegation that is going to Busan, South Korea, is going to participate in the 48th UNESCO conference, where the decision on the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape will be finalized,” she said.
“We are going to attend, and we are happy that when we come back home, we may bring back good news. This is going to be the first step in doing what the President directed the Minister during her oath-taking to go and do what has not yet been done. This is going to be the first time ever,” she added.
If approved, the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape would become South Sudan’s first property inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The minister described the expected recognition as a historic milestone for the country. “This is the first time ever for South Sudan to have a landscape recognized and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This is going to be the first in our history,” she said.
Nyanath called on South Sudanese to follow the committee’s deliberations, saying, “Let everyone follow the UNESCO conference on the 25th. God willing, we may bring you the news of our land being inscribed on the world’s prestigious heritage list.”
The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape is one of Africa’s most important wildlife ecosystems and is renowned for its large-scale migrations of antelopes and other wildlife. The site is considered globally significant for its biodiversity and ecological value.
South Sudan currently has no sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Approval of the nomination would mark a major milestone for the country’s heritage conservation efforts and could enhance international recognition, conservation support and tourism opportunities.
The minister was seen off at Juba International Airport by senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage before departing for South Korea.