South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
The Ministry of Environment and Forestry, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has initiated a multi-day stakeholder consultation regarding South Sudan’s carbon market framework. Officials stressed the importance of caution and clarity before the country engages in global carbon trading.
Speaking at the event, Undersecretary Joseph Batali highlighted the necessity for a robust national framework to prevent exploitation by opportunistic brokers and to ensure transparency in the valuation and utilisation of carbon credits.
“Many of you have heard about carbon trading and carbon credits,” Batali remarked. “Some even suggest, ‘Let us gather that carbon and sell it, as if carbon were a physical object.’ This illustrates how misunderstood the concept is.”
Batali elaborated on the fundamental science of carbon sequestration through natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and peatlands, underscoring how South Sudan’s low emissions and rich natural resources position it as a significant player in carbon markets.
“South Sudan’s emissions are negligible, yet we are sequestering substantial amounts of carbon,” he stated. “Countries like China, which continue to follow high-emission development models, can purchase our credits. However, we also want them to reduce their emissions because we are experiencing the consequences.”
He pointed to the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters, including floods and abnormal weather patterns.
“Just a few days ago, people were alarmed by black rainwater,” Batali noted. “Climate change is real and directly affecting us.”
The Undersecretary cautioned against early attempts by carbon credit brokers to exploit countries that lack regulatory frameworks.
“They approached us, promising billions of dollars and urging us to sign MOUs quickly. We refused,” he said. “We cannot mortgage our carbon credits without understanding their volume or market value.”
Batali reiterated that the Ministry is awaiting the finalisation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and is collaborating closely with UNDP and stakeholders to develop a national carbon market framework.
“We aim to manage this process transparently. Once validated, the framework will be presented to the Council of Ministers and then Parliament. Only then can we discuss carbon trading with confidence.”
He clarified that revenue generated from carbon trading would be dedicated solely to environmental protection, climate mitigation, and adaptation projects, rather than general development spending.
“It’s unfortunate that we don’t have representatives from the Central Bank here,” he said. “Their involvement is crucial, especially when discussing concepts such as debt swaps and green bonds.”
Batali encouraged participants to educate others about the importance of regulation before entering the carbon market.
“We who possess the credits must also help determine their value. We cannot allow others to dictate that a ton of carbon is worth merely five or ten cents,” he asserted. “We need a say in the pricing.”
He concluded by officially opening the stakeholder meeting and urging attendees to engage deeply with the topic.
Meanwhile, Sheila Ngatia, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP South Sudan, echoed Batali’s sentiments, emphasising the need for public understanding and institutional readiness.
“Today’s workshop is not just a formality; it’s a platform to demystify carbon markets and ensure South Sudan benefits from its natural assets,” said Ngatia. “Let’s return to the science: trees absorb carbon through photosynthesis, which forms the foundation of carbon credits.”
She explained the vital roles that wetlands, trees, and soil organic matter play in carbon sequestration and why countries with high emissions seek credits from low-emission countries like South Sudan.
“There’s a growing interest in carbon trading, and rightly so,” she said. “But it must be conducted properly. Without appropriate frameworks, countries risk falling into the same traps that others encountered in Latin America and Africa.”
Ngatia commended the Ministry for adopting a cautious and structured approach and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to supporting South Sudan in establishing a robust regulatory environment for carbon markets.
“Carbon trading can be a tool for sustainable financing, but only if the systems are in place to protect the country and its communities,” she stated.
