South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Simon Deng
The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resources (CSCNR) has launched a tree planting campaign in Bentiu, Unity State, as part of efforts to raise public awareness and respond to the growing climate change crisis in South Sudan.
Gizam Moses, Programme Officer for CSCNR, highlighted the importance of trees in mitigating the devastating effects of climate change across the country while speaking during the tree planting event in Bentiu.
“Growing trees absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere. Their leaves act as interceptors of rainfall, aiding evaporation and precipitation through evapotranspiration. Globally, terrestrial plants contribute nearly 50% of rain generation in summer and about 40% annually. Trees also store carbon dioxide, prevent floods, and serve as critical habitats for biodiversity,” said Moses on Tuesday in a statement.
Moses revealed that Unity State has suffered the harshest impacts of the climate crisis over the last six years, experiencing vegetation loss, increased food insecurity, ruined grazing lands, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
“It is our collective responsibility to promote climate adaptation—by changing energy consumption habits, improving efficiency, stopping deforestation, and planting more trees,” he said. “CSCNR will continue lobbying for more resources to scale up awareness campaigns on harmful practices like bush burning and environmental pollution.”
Tabitha Nyalony Gai, the Deputy Head Teacher of Bentiu Girls Primary School, stated that the tree planting campaign will play a vital role in communities already grappling with prolonged floods, displacement, and loss of livelihoods.
“Climate change has killed our cows, destroyed farms, and displaced our people. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges. As a school, we will protect the trees planted today, water them, and spread awareness of tree planting across Unity State,” said Gai.
Chuol Mathuok Piet, the representative from the State Ministry of Health, noted the direct link between flooding and rising cases of waterborne diseases, especially among women and children.
“As a health practitioner, I can testify that flooding has increased disease outbreaks in Unity. This campaign is timely. Planting trees, including fruit trees, will not only protect our environment but also provide food, shade, and reduce soil erosion,” said Piet.
The campaign marks a renewed push by civil society to engage local communities in climate action, emphasising the role of tree planting in resilience building and environmental protection.
The launch brought together key stakeholders, including officials from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Education, school administrators, traditional chiefs, civil society organisations, people with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, youth, women, and students.
