JUBA, May 2 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan received 33 million U.S. dollars in funding on Thursday to implement a five-year watershed approach to climate resilience in agro-pastoral landscapes.

South Sudanese Minister of Environment and Forestry Josephine Napwon Cosmas said the project will equip extension agencies to help communities adopt gender-responsive, climate-smart agricultural practices and diversify livelihoods through a hands-on, farmer-field-based approach.

"The country is currently experiencing severe heat waves, drought, and unpredictable rain patterns. The ministry developed climate change strategies and projects to mitigate and adapt to these impacts," Napwon told reporters in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, after the signing of the memorandum of understanding.

The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities to the impacts of climate change while restoring ecosystems, has enormous potential for the region, according to the ministry.

Dominic Sam, United Nations Development Program (UNDP) resident representative in South Sudan, said the project targets to reduce the impacts of climate change, hunger, and malnutrition on children and vulnerable populations by empowering South Sudanese communities to adapt to climate-smart practices and restore the ecosystem.

"From implementing community-based conservation projects to advocating for policy reforms, the UNDP endeavors to ensure the long-term health and resilience of our plant," Sam said.

In the meantime, the project, which will be implemented in Aweil Center County and Aweil East County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, aims to benefit more than 75,000 people and restore 15,000 hectares of land.

The funds have been channeled through the UNDP and will be administered by the global charity World Vision.

South Sudan is one of the countries rapidly affected by climate change. Over the past four years, persistent flooding in many parts of the country has affected the livelihoods of millions of people, and some areas have experienced drought.

In March, the country was forced to close schools due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)