South Sudan’s Great Nile Migration landscape gets UNESCO world heritage status
The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has become South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site after receiving international recognition for supporting a vast wildlife ecosystem where about six million antelope migrate every year.
The listing places the 12 million-hectare landscape among the world’s most important natural sites and highlights its role in sustaining one of the largest terrestrial mammal migrations on Earth.
South Sudan announced that the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape (BBML) had been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising its outstanding universal value and importance to global conservation efforts.
The recognition follows years of work led by the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, together with the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, South Sudan Wildlife Service, local communities, IUCN, UNESCO and African Parks.
Denay Jock Chagor, Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism, said the listing was a historic achievement for the country.
“Today’s inscription of the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape as South Sudan’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is a proud and historic moment for our nation. It is international recognition of the extraordinary natural heritage that South Sudan holds for the benefit of the world, and of our commitment to protecting it for future generations,” he said.
“This achievement reflects years of collaboration between South Sudan, local communities, African Parks and supporters who have worked tirelessly to safeguard this remarkable landscape. The Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape is home to one of the greatest wildlife migrations on Earth and stands as a powerful symbol of our country’s resilience, beauty and potential.”
Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong, Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, said the recognition marked an important chapter in South Sudan’s history.
“As our country’s first World Heritage Site, it represents international recognition of a landscape whose value extends far beyond our borders and whose protection is a shared responsibility,” she said.
“This achievement is the culmination of a collaborative effort involving government institutions, local communities, UNESCO, African Parks and many dedicated partners. It demonstrates South Sudan’s commitment to preserving both its natural and cultural heritage and sharing these treasures with the world.”
Community representative Paulino Warnyang said the recognition honoured both wildlife and communities that have protected the landscape for generations.
“For generations our communities have lived alongside the wildlife and landscapes of Boma and Badingilo. This recognition honours not only the animals and the land, but also the people whose lives, traditions and cultures have always been connected to them,” Warnyang said.
“We are proud that the world can now see the importance of this place. We hope this recognition will bring new opportunities for our communities while ensuring that our natural heritage remains protected for our children and grandchildren.”
The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape also supports important wildlife species including Nile Lechwe, African Savanna Elephant, African Wild Dog, Lion, Leopard, Northeastern Africa Cheetah and Beisa Oryx, alongside waterbirds, raptors and migratory bird species.
The area is also home to diverse communities including the Murle, Dinka, Nuer, Anyuak and Toposa, who have protected and depended on the landscape through herding, farming and fishing for centuries.
The landscape covers Boma National Park, Badingilo National Park and the wildlife corridors connecting them. It consists of savannas, wetlands, floodplains and woodlands that form the centre of the Great Nile Migration ecosystem.
The 2024 aerial survey of the area confirmed that around six million antelope, including white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle and Bohor reedbuck, move across the ecosystem each year in response to seasonal rainfall.
The animals follow ancient migration routes that have shaped the region’s ecology for thousands of years, with the landscape extending beyond South Sudan’s borders into neighbouring Ethiopia.
The UNESCO recognition also highlights the area’s wider importance in supporting biodiversity and maintaining ecological processes across the Nile Basin. Seasonal flooding, wildlife movement, grazing and nutrient flows help sustain the ecosystem and its ability to support different species.
The listing recognises the role of communities that have lived in the landscape for generations. Local communities contributed knowledge through consultations during the nomination process and helped shape plans for protecting the area’s future.
However, the landscape faces growing pressure from development activities, extractive interests and increased commercial poaching. The effects of climate change have also created challenges that require cooperation between the government, communities and conservation partners.
Since 2022, African Parks has worked with the Government of South Sudan through a long-term renewable management partnership covering Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wider landscape. The partnership focuses on strengthening livelihoods, protecting cultural heritage and supporting sustainable management of natural resources.