The European Union (EU) and its partners Saferworld and Enjojo Foundation today launched a €3 million project to improve the conservation, management and use of biodiversity and ecosystem goods and services for the benefit of nature and local communities, in particular women, youth and vulnerable groups living in and around Kidepo Game Reserve in Eastern Equatoria State.

The three-year, €3 million project aims at conserving biodiversity while improving the sustainable quality of life of local communities living in the Key Landscapes for Conservation and Development (KLCD) of the Eastern Rift Savannahs and watersheds.

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Speaking at the launch event, European Union Ambassador Timo Olkkonen said this project follows another EU-funded project aimed at promoting peace and natural resource management in protected areas, implemented by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF) Germany and the Enjojo Foundation.

"These two initiatives, funded by the EU with a total of €6 million, will promote peace and sustainable resource management in the KGR over the next three years," Ambassador Olkkonen said. “Let us seize this opportunity to strengthen our resolve and collaboration in addressing these challenges (poaching, habitat destruction etc.). By working together, we can ensure that the KGR becomes a symbol of hope, peace, and sustainable progress for the region.”

Poaching, habitat destruction, inter-communal violence, confusion about borders/boundaries and the effects of climate change continue to threaten the Kidepo Game Reserve ecosystem. Overcoming these obstacles will require the unwavering commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders.

Nevertheless, the project is expected to improve the management and protection of the KGR and its surrounding landscapes through infrastructure development, capacity building and improved law enforcement for some 250000 people, 50% of whom are girls and women.

An EU delegation, Saferworld and Enjojo Foundation leaders, national and Eastern Equatoria state government representatives attended the project launch in Juba today.

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