Wildlife authorities in South Sudan's Lakes State urge citizens to conserve forests and wildlife, as the world commemorated World Wildlife day on March 3.

According to the United Nations, this year's theme was "Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet" a day to highlight the central role of forests, forest species, and ecosystem services in sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous and local communities with historic ties to forested and forest-adjacent areas. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj in an interview, the Director of Wildlife in the state Maj. Gen. Abraham Mayek Gum said the state is blessed with two national parks; the Southern National Park bordering Warrap and Western Equatoria States and the Shambe National Park which borders Unity and Jonglei States.

According to him, the two parks are home to different types of wild animals but they are threatened by the presence of arms in the hands of civilians.

“There are many firearms in the hands of everyone, SSPDF, police, wildlife, soldiers, prison warders, fire brigade, and armed civilians and this is a reason that made our wild animals flee to neighboring countries of South Sudan in search of safety and security for their lives,” Mayek said.

He urged the traditional chiefs in the communities to enforce wildlife laws in a bid to save the animals from rampant illegal poaching.

“Wild animals have no difference with your cow. Wild animals are a national resource of the country and they shouldn’t be killed anyhow and you think you cannot be taken to a court of law and get punished. For example, now if someone comes and killed your cow how will you feel like as the owner of that cow," he asked. 

For his part, the Director-General in the state ministry of environment, agriculture, and forestry, Mabor Kau Lam said the ministry had deployed forest guards in Lakes State to monitor tree logging there. 

“We have Forestry Acts which punish violators and it is being implemented whenever you are found to have cut down the trees because we have charcoal dealers and timbers. These people are supposed to come to the ministry of environment and forestry to get approval instead of cutting down the trees on their own with approval,” said Kau.

He warns that cutting down forests destroys ecosystems and causes deforestation in the country.

“The role of the ministry is to conserve forests and wildlife saying they are natural resources of the country and they shouldn’t be allowed to be destroyed," he stressed. 

He warned charcoal and timber dealers to cease illegal cutting of trees in Lakes State.