Yei official says peace is only hope for wildlife tourism

Wildlife authorities in Yei River State have called on the government and local communities to ensure peace and stability, saying it will boost the tourism industry in the country and act as an alternative source of revenue.

Wildlife authorities in Yei River State have called on the government and local communities to ensure peace and stability, saying it will boost the tourism industry in the country and act as an alternative source of revenue.

Beda Achaga Lowe, the deputy director for wildlife conservation and tourism, said while addressing the commemoration of the World Tourism Day last week in Yei town that South Sudan and Yei in particular is blessed with assorted wildlife.

“We have many of our animal species at Lantoto National Game Park. We have the elephants, buffalos, zebras, ostriches and many others. These animals can attract tourists and pay a lot of money in form of dollars and South Sudanese pounds which can be used for the development of the state. I would like to advice the communities within the game parks to secure these animals,” Achaga said.

He further said Yei River state also has attractive forest reserves, water sources, great vegetation and other mineral resources that can be a tourist attraction.

But Achaga said the lack of peace and stability has greatly affected the development of the wildlife and tourism sector as many animals are forced to migrate to neighbouring countries in search of peace.

“Animals are like human beings, they don’t want to hear gunshots that’s why we have seen that people are displaced due to insecurity, our animals have also migrated to secure locations in Garamaba Game Park,” he added.

Achaga advised South Sudanese to denounce the spirit of violence and embark on dialogue and reconciliation for development of South Sudan.