 on the World Heritage List, making it the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.){kind=link}
By Ginaba Lino
South Sudan has achieved a historic conservation milestone after the UNESCO World Heritage Committee officially inscribed the Boma–Badingilo Migratory Landscape (BBML) on the World Heritage List, making it the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Announced on Saturday, the inscription recognizes the landscape’s outstanding universal value and its role as one of the world’s most important wildlife ecosystems. Covering about 12 million hectares, the landscape includes Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the wildlife corridors linking them, forming the heart of the Great Nile Migration.
According to the government, the landscape supports the world’s largest terrestrial mammal migration, with an estimated six million antelope, including white-eared kob, tiang, Mongalla gazelle and Bohor reedbuck, moving across the ecosystem annually following seasonal rainfall.
Minister of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism Denay Jock Chagor described the inscription as “a proud and historic moment” for South Sudan, saying it reflects the country’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage for future generations.
Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage Sarah Nyanath Elijah Yong said the recognition marks “a defining milestone” in the nation’s history and demonstrates South Sudan’s dedication to preserving both its natural and cultural heritage.
Community representative Paulino Warnyang welcomed the recognition, saying it honors not only the wildlife but also the generations of communities whose traditions and livelihoods are closely connected to the landscape.
The inscription follows years of collaboration between the Government of South Sudan, local communities, UNESCO, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the South Sudan Wildlife Service and African Parks, which has co-managed the landscape with the government since 2022.
Officials said World Heritage status is expected to strengthen conservation efforts as the landscape faces increasing threats from commercial poaching, extractive activities and climate change while promoting sustainable development that benefits local communities.