Fresh Force on Patrol
One hundred recruits marched across Bor’s parade ground, completing eight weeks of tactical and ecological training designed by the Ministry of Wildlife, Tourism and Conservation.
Their deployment will triple ranger presence in hotspots where giraffe, tiang and antelope migrations intersect with expanding human settlements.
Balancing Community Needs
Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok reminded spectators that wildlife is part of South Sudan’s post-conflict economic asset portfolio, capable of generating jobs through tourism if protected.
He acknowledged, however, that food insecurity pushes some residents toward subsistence hunting, especially when the Sudd wetlands recede during the dry months.
Regional Security Links
Minister Denay Jock Chagor framed anti-poaching work as a security priority, urging closer coordination between wildlife units, police and local peace committees in Hol and Ayuel.
Recent reconciliation accords struck at the ICGS Workshop are expected to ease cattle-raiding tensions that often spill into protected areas.
Partners in Conservation
African Parks representative Florington Aseervatham credited international and local NGOs with supplying field radios, solar power and community-outreach curricula to the new graduates.
He traced today’s program to the late Dr. John Garang’s vision of conserving the Greater Nile ecosystem for scientific research and sustainable revenue.
Looking Ahead
Poaching incidents still rise as waterholes shrink; authorities estimate annual losses of several thousand animals to bush-meat trade and small-arms groups.
With more boots on the ground and a renewed emphasis on human-rights compliance, officials hope Jonglei can shift from wildlife casualty headlines to eco-tourism success stories.