South Sudan’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry launched South Sudan REDD+ Country needs Assessment on Wednesday to reduce emissions from deforestation to mitigate global climate change.

“This document will in the end contribute to the proper and sustainable management of forest in South Sudan because that is the essence of REDD+ which is the reducing emissions from deforestation, and degradation”, said Undersecretary Jaden Emilio Togun

The announcement was part of a one day workshop held by the Food and Agriculture Organization and Ministry of the Environment. UN REDD+ stands for reducing emissions from deforestation, and degradation, plus enhancement of forest carbon stock and sustainable forest management.

The program represents a critical gap analysis for informing the government and other stakeholders and guiding decision making for South Sudan.