AGP Executive Report

Wildlife Protection: South Sudan graduated 40 wildlife rangers for Lantoto National Park, training them in law enforcement and anti-poaching to better safeguard biodiversity and natural resources. Conservation & Heritage: UNESCO has inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, spotlighting the Great Nile migration ecosystem and the corridors linking Boma and Badingilo National Parks. Climate Risk & Flood Preparedness: FAO says El Niño could intensify rains in Somalia, raising flood risks along the Juba and Shabelle river basins, and is rolling out early warning, debris clearance, and forecast-based cash support. Health Systems & Waste Management: Government and UNDP inaugurated an Aweil State Reference Laboratory with solar power and a specialised medical incinerator, funded via the Global Fund COVID-19 Response Mechanism to strengthen surveillance and emergency preparedness. Land Governance: The South Sudan National Land Coalition warns that political interference is enabling illegal land acquisition, calling for faster passage of the Land Bill and stronger public awareness. Water & Ecosystems: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative says reforestation is improving vegetation cover and helping restore springs and streams, with potential benefits for downstream neighbors. Digital Finance: A new analysis looks at how fintech is expanding access in South Sudan’s cash-heavy economy amid liquidity stress and capital flight. Elections & Peace: Political parties and civil society signed a declaration rejecting violence and hate speech ahead of December 2026 elections.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that support the Great Nile migration system. Wildlife Protection: Nearly 50 rangers have graduated from law-enforcement training to strengthen anti-poaching and community relations at Lantoto National Park. Climate & Water Security: A new FAO-backed rehabilitation of the Akurawoyan Valley Tank in Uganda’s Karamoja region highlights how water infrastructure is being used to protect livestock livelihoods as drought intensifies. Regional Water Cooperation: Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative says reforestation is improving rainfall infiltration, springs, and river flows, with potential benefits for downstream neighbors—raising interest in payment-for-ecosystem-services deals. Economy & Environment: An opinion piece links South Sudan’s capital flight to weaker investment capacity, warning it can undermine long-term development, including environmental and resource management. Governance & Elections: A political group signed a declaration backing peaceful elections on Dec. 22, with an emphasis on rejecting violence—an enabling condition for environmental and conservation planning. Health & Displacement: Ocean Viking rescued 14 migrants off Libya, including people from South Sudan, underscoring how conflict and climate-driven displacement keep spilling into humanitarian crises.

Wildlife Protection: South Sudan’s Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism graduated 46 newly trained wildlife rangers at Lantoto National Park, with law-enforcement and anti-poaching training, and a push to work with nearby communities. Conservation & Heritage: UNESCO inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as a World Heritage site, highlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that support the Great Nile migration system. Health & Community Resilience: In Lakes State, Matangai Primary Health Care Centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing plan where patients contribute SSP 1,000 to cover daily operations when funding is delayed. Governance & Environment Link: A political alliance of South Sudan’s parties and civil society signed a declaration backing peaceful elections and rejecting violence and hate speech ahead of Dec. 22 polls—an enabling condition for stable service delivery. Economy & Climate Risk: An opinion piece warns capital flight is draining South Sudan’s economy, while regional reporting flags climate shocks like El Niño as a growing threat to food security across the Horn, including South Sudan. Illegal Trade Pressure: A study highlighted how large volumes of African gold leave official channels, depriving governments of tax revenue and complicating regulation—an issue that can fuel environmental and governance stress around mining areas.

UNESCO & Wildlife: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the corridors that support the Great Nile Migration and major terrestrial mammal movement. Conservation Under Pressure: UNESCO also flagged that conflict and climate change are exposing heritage sites to serious threats, with emergency procedures used for the latest additions. Local Health Resilience: In Lakes State, Matangai Primary Health Care Centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing scheme where patients contribute SSP 1,000 to cover day-to-day operations when funding is delayed. Climate Risk & Food Security: AfDB warns a possible “super” El Niño could cost Africa up to $20bn and worsen hunger risks, with South Sudan named among vulnerable countries. Migration & Safety: SOS Méditerranée reports Ocean Viking rescued 14 migrants off Libya, including people from Sudan and South Sudan, after a rubber boat broke down and survivors received medical care en route to Italy. Peace & Elections: VP Igga urged Northern Bahr el Ghazal to prioritize peace and security ahead of December 2026 elections.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that underpin the Great Nile Migration ecosystem. Wildlife in Peril: The same UNESCO push also flags how conflict and climate pressures can threaten heritage and biodiversity, with attention on sites placed on the “in danger” list. Climate Shock & Food Security: A warning about a possible “super El Niño” is raising alarms for drought, extreme heat and hunger risks across Africa, including South Sudan. Local Health Resilience: In Lakes State, Matangai Primary Health Care Centre stays open through a community-approved cost-sharing plan where patients contribute SSP 1,000 to cover day-to-day operations when funding is delayed. Humanitarian Access: Save the Children appeals to recover seized vehicles and assets in Jonglei, saying the absence is directly disrupting aid to vulnerable children. Peace & Elections: VP Igga urges Northern Bahr el Ghazal to prioritize peace and security ahead of the December 2026 elections, linking safer conditions to public service delivery. Migration Pressure: South Sudanese refugees and nationals face renewed uncertainty as U.S. courts clear the way for Temporary Protected Status terminations, adding to displacement stress.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors that support the Great Nile Migration. Wildlife & Conservation: The same UNESCO push also reinforces attention on threatened migration routes and the need to protect intact ecosystems amid conflict and climate stress. Elections & Security: VP James Wani Igga urged Northern Bahr el Ghazal to keep prioritizing peace and security as December 2026 elections approach. Humanitarian Access: Save the Children appealed for the recovery of seized vehicles and assets in Jonglei, warning delays are blocking aid to vulnerable children. Economy & Climate Risk: The AfDB cautioned South Sudan’s rebound from resumed oil exports is fragile, with heavy oil dependence and weak domestic revenue leaving the economy vulnerable. Migration & Rights: A US appeals court cleared the way for ending Temporary Protected Status for South Sudanese, while South Sudan announced plans to repatriate 20,000 vulnerable people from Egypt.

UNESCO & Wildlife Protection: UNESCO has inscribed South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape on the World Heritage List, spotlighting Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the corridors that support the Great Nile Migration. Elections & Security: VP James Wani Igga urged Northern Bahr el Ghazal to keep prioritizing peace and security as December 2026 elections approach. Climate & Food Risk: AfDB warns South Sudan’s economic recovery is fragile, with heavy oil dependence and weak domestic resource mobilization leaving the country exposed to shocks like El Niño-driven crop stress. Humanitarian Access in Jonglei: Save the Children appealed to recover seized vehicles and assets in Jonglei, saying delays are blocking delivery of aid to vulnerable children. Migration & Protection: South Sudan plans to repatriate 20,000 vulnerable people from Egypt, including support for reintegration after return. Global Health Watch: DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surged to record levels, with response gaps and delayed reporting undermining containment—an urgent reminder for regional preparedness.

UNESCO & Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with the EU calling it a major milestone for wildlife conservation and an international boost for one of the world’s key migration ecosystems. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO’s 2026 World Heritage decisions also included emergency protection and “in danger” listings for conflict-hit sites elsewhere, underscoring how quickly environmental and cultural assets can be threatened. Climate & Food Security: Reports warn that a possible “super” El Niño could worsen drought and hunger risks across East Africa, with South Sudan flagged among vulnerable areas as food prices and crop stress rise. Local Climate Impacts: In Yei River County, farmers report a sharp maize harvest drop blamed on prolonged dry spells and delayed rainfall, pushing communities toward deeper food insecurity. Water & Health: Cholera remains a deadly reminder of what happens when safe water fails, with conflict-linked breakdowns in Sudan and the wider region raising concern for outbreaks. Livelihoods & Women: In Juba, women were trained to make liquid soap to sell and strengthen savings groups—small-scale income support amid economic hardship. Humanitarian Access: Save the Children appealed for recovery of seized vehicles in Jonglei, saying missing assets are slowing life-saving assistance.

UNESCO World Heritage: South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with the EU calling it a major wildlife conservation milestone and recognition of one of the world’s most important migration ecosystems. Climate & food security: El Niño conditions are expected to strengthen later in 2026, with South Sudan among areas facing drier June–September rains that can hit crop production and worsen hunger risk. Water & disease: Cholera remains a deadly reminder that safe water systems are still failing in conflict-affected regions, with recent surges reported in Sudan and broader global deaths continuing. Humanitarian access in Jonglei: Save the Children has appealed for the recovery of seized humanitarian vehicles and assets in Jonglei, warning that missing transport is directly slowing aid to vulnerable children. Displacement & returns: South Sudan plans to facilitate the voluntary return of 20,000 vulnerable citizens from Egypt, including support for reintegration after repatriation. Disability inclusion: Light for the World is pushing for more accessible education and equal opportunities for people with disabilities in South Sudan, using sports as an entry point for inclusion. Elections & civic education: The UN has praised South Sudan’s National Elections Commission for launching a nationwide civic and voter education campaign aimed at inclusive, peaceful, and credible voting. Local climate impacts: Farmers in Yei report a sharp drop in maize harvests after prolonged dry spells, blaming delayed rainfall and calling for training on new farming methods.

UNESCO & Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan just secured its first UNESCO World Heritage listing: the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape, covering vast savannah between the White Nile and the Ethiopian border and supporting one of the world’s biggest terrestrial migrations (about one million antelopes and other animals). UNESCO also fast-tracked it onto the World Heritage in Danger list due to conflict, climate change, and human pressure—an EU statement calls it a major milestone for wildlife conservation and global heritage. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is strengthening risk for parts of Eastern Africa, with South Sudan flagged for drier main rainy-season conditions that can mean poor crop production and rising hunger pressures. Local Climate Impacts: In Yei River County, farmers report a sharp drop in maize harvests after prolonged dry spells, with some getting only a fraction of last year’s yields. Health & Water: Cholera remains deadly where safe water and basic healthcare fail; recent reporting highlights how conflict-damaged systems can drive rapid spread. Civic Participation (Environment-adjacent): The UN commended South Sudan’s nationwide civic and voter education campaign ahead of the Dec. 22 elections, urging inclusive, peaceful, credible participation—while rights groups stress security and access for vulnerable groups. Disability Inclusion: Light for the World is pushing for better inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in education and services, using sports to expand access.

UNESCO World Heritage (South Sudan): South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and placed on the World Heritage in Danger list, citing threats from conflict, climate change, poaching, wildlife trafficking and infrastructure pressure—an EU-backed milestone for wildlife conservation and a major boost for future tourism and funding. Climate & food security: Farmers in Yei report sharp maize losses after prolonged dry spells linked to changing climate patterns, while broader reporting warns El Niño could intensify drought and flooding risks across Africa, raising the odds of crop failure and displacement. Water & public health: Cholera continues to kill where safe water is lacking, with recent outbreaks tied to damaged health systems and water infrastructure—an urgent reminder for prevention and clean-water access. Elections & environment governance: The UN welcomed South Sudan’s nationwide civic and voter education campaign, with calls for inclusive, peaceful, credible elections—security and community access remain key for participation. Wildlife protection (policy): A new commentary urges strict limits on introducing nonnative species, pointing to IUCN guidance that treats such moves as high-risk. Mine action & safety: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s mine action capacity, supporting surveys, explosive risk education and safer access in contaminated areas.

UNESCO & Wildlife Protection: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first World Heritage site, but it’s also placed on the World Heritage in Danger list as UNESCO cites insecurity, commercial poaching, wildlife trafficking, and infrastructure pressure threatening one of Africa’s biggest land mammal migrations. Climate & Food Security: Uganda’s worst drought in decades is driving a hunger crisis, with Karamoja hit hardest and emergency food distribution underway—an early warning for the wider Horn as climate shocks intensify. Elections & Community Safety: South Sudan’s voter education campaign has kicked off in Juba, with leaders urging inclusive dialogue, adequate funding, and stronger security so registration and civic participation don’t collapse under fear or intimidation. Mine Action & Safer Communities: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and mine-action equipment to strengthen South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority, supporting surveys and explosive risk education in contaminated states. Clean Environment Push: A call for a National Cleaning Day urges coordinated action against plastic waste, clogged drainage, and public litter to reduce disease and flood risks. Energy & Renewables: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power, electricity generation, and dam projects as the country’s electricity access remains very low. Border Governance: A government reform committee is assessing the Nimule border to improve revenue collection and cut leakages at the main trade gateway. Media & Ebola Readiness: Health partners urged journalists to use verified information on Ebola and highlight safe hygiene and bush-meat handling, noting South Sudan’s risk from cross-border movement.

UNESCO & Wildlife Protection: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been named a World Heritage site, but fast-tracked onto the World Heritage in Danger list over threats from conflict, climate change, poaching, wildlife trafficking and infrastructure pressure—UNESCO says the landscape supports one of the world’s biggest land mammal migrations. Mine Action & Safety: UNMAS and JICA handed over vehicles and mine-action equipment to South Sudan’s National Mine Action Authority, boosting surveys, explosive ordnance risk education and work in contaminated states. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a possible “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, cut GDP by 1–2% in hard-hit countries, and trigger mass migration—food and water security are expected to take the biggest hit. Public Health & Media: Health partners urged journalists to use verified guidance when reporting Ebola, stressing safe hygiene and proper handling of bush meat as South Sudan remains at risk from cross-border movement. Energy & Development: Bangladesh is exploring investment in South Sudan’s renewable power and dam projects, aiming to expand electricity access beyond reliance on generators and charcoal. Civic Environment Action: A National Cleaning Day push calls for coordinated clean-ups to tackle waste, plastic pollution and blocked drainage ahead of the rainy season. Governance at Borders: A reform committee began assessing the Nimule border to improve revenue collection and reduce leakages.

UNESCO World Heritage, South Sudan: South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first World Heritage Site, but it was also added to the UNESCO List of World Heritage in Danger over threats including armed conflict, commercial poaching and wildlife trafficking, infrastructure development, and weak protection arrangements. Heritage Under Pressure: UNESCO also placed six sites worldwide on the “in danger” list, with emergency protection for Mount Amel Castles (Lebanon) and Sebastia (West Bank), citing conflict, insecurity, and climate pressures. Climate Risk: The AfDB warns a looming “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, cut GDP by 1%–2% in hard-hit countries, threaten food and water, strain public finances, and trigger mass migration. Health & Media: South Sudan’s Ebola media sensitization urged journalists to use verified guidance, stressing early reporting, safe hygiene, and proper handling of bush meat. Elections & Civic Space: Human rights groups say voter education can’t work where fear prevails, as the National Elections Commission launches civic education ahead of December polls. Telecom Costs: Mobile operators MTN, Zain, and Digitel announced a second tariff increment approved by the National Communication Authority, raising call and data prices.

UNESCO World Heritage (South Sudan): South Sudan’s Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape has been inscribed as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing a vast 11-million-hectare system that supports an annual migration of more than six million antelope and other species. Heritage in Danger: UNESCO also placed the site on the List of World Heritage in Danger, citing armed conflict, commercial poaching, infrastructure development, possible extractive activity, and weak protection and management arrangements. Climate Risk (Africa): The AfDB warns a potential “super” El Niño could cut African GDP by $10bn–$20bn and trigger mass migration, with knock-on effects for food and water security, public finances, and banking stability. Conservation Cooperation (Nile Basin): Egypt’s ambassador says Cairo is ready to share tourism and environmental conservation experience with South Sudan, focusing on the Great Nile Migration Landscape. Wildlife Pressure (South Sudan): South Sudan’s wildlife authorities flag poaching and habitat destruction as major threats, calling for stronger enforcement and community involvement. Public Health (Ebola): Health partners urge journalists to use verified information when reporting Ebola, stressing early detection and safe handling of bush meat. Telecom Costs: MTN, Zain, and Digitel announce a second phase of tariff increases tied to an exchange-rate adjustment approved by the National Communication Authority. Civic Space (Elections): Rights groups warn voter education can’t succeed where fear and intimidation prevail, as the National Elections Commission launches civic education ahead of December polls.

UNESCO Heritage in Danger: UNESCO added South Sudan’s Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape to the World Heritage List in Danger on an emergency basis, citing threats like infrastructure development, commercial poaching, wildlife trafficking, and weak conservation capacity—while the country also awaits a separate decision on its first-ever World Heritage inscription. Wildlife Conservation: South Sudan’s wildlife authorities warned that poaching and habitat loss remain major risks, urging stronger enforcement and community involvement to protect biodiversity and support recovery of wildlife populations. Climate Risk for Africa: The AfDB warned a “super” El Niño could cost Africa $10bn–$20bn, worsen droughts and storms, and drive displacement—raising pressure on food and water security. Food Security Pressure: FEWS NET projected 16.0–16.99 million Nigerians could face acute hunger by January 2027, underscoring how climate and conflict keep hunger rising across the region. Mining & Environment Governance: Juba County created a Mining Department to regulate mining and include environmental protection in oversight, as violence around gold mining continues to threaten people and sites. Fuel Market Policy: South Sudan lifted restrictions on fuel imports under the G2G arrangement, allowing more licensed importers to supply petroleum products while a government review continues.