Environmental protection and climate challenges facing South Sudan were at the center of discussions as Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Minister of Environment and Forestry, Hon. Mabior Garang de Mabior, at his office in Juba.
According to NPA Statement shared on social media, the delegation—comprising the Country Director, Civil Society Development Programme (CSDP) Programme Manager, Humanitarian Response Programme (HRP) Coordinator, and CSDP Partnerships Officer.
The delegation shared an overview of NPA’s work across South Sudan. The delegation highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate environmental protection into humanitarian and development programming, while strengthening the role of civil society in addressing environmental and climate-related challenges.
Hon. Mabior welcomed the delegation and said that as he assumes office, his priority is to fully understand the ministry’s mandate and address the difficult balance between environmental conservation and national development needs.
The minister outlined key environmental issues facing the country, including the need to fast-track the long-delayed Environmental Bill, curb plastic pollution, address oil contamination in oil-producing areas, and enhance the capacity of community-based organizations to access climate change and environmental funding.
The engagement underscored shared concerns over environmental degradation, climate vulnerability, and the need for sustainable development in South Sudan. Hon. Mabior encouraged sustained collaboration and proposed regular, including monthly, dialogue between the ministry and NPA to explore joint initiatives aimed at strengthening environmental governance, community resilience, and sustainable natural resource management.
The meeting marked an important step toward coordinated action to address South Sudan’s pressing environmental challenges through partnership between government and International partners.