FROM THE FIELD: South Sudan's green shoots highlight environmental recovery from war
Climate and Environment
Some 5,000 seedlings of trees indigenous to South Sudan are being distributed to schools, sports centres and other public meeting places by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country, UNMISS, as part of its commitment to countering climate change.
Mango, lemon, guava, and teak trees were planted by school children in October at the Exodus Junior Academy in the capital, Juba.
The headmaster of the school, Sokiri Ambamba George, said the trees will enhance his students’ understanding of the environment.
Some of South Sudan’s natural habitat has been damaged during the 5-year long civil conflict there, but it’s hoped a commitment to peace by warring parties will enable the environment to recover as more tress are planted. Those trees will help to reduce the harmful greenhouse gasses that are causing climate change.
On the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict which is marked annually on 6 November, read more here about the green shoots of peace in South Sudan.