Ibba County, Western Equatoria State – Thousands of youths from across the five Payams of Ibba County came together to celebrate Elephant Day, an annual event aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation.
Organized by Fauna & Flora International (FFI), the event sought to shed light on the growing threats facing elephants, particularly due to poaching and environmental challenges.
The day’s activities were a blend of cultural and sporting events, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving its rich wildlife heritage. In an exciting football match, Manikakara Payam edged out Ibba Central Payam with a narrow 1-0 victory.
Additionally, local drama groups performed captivating plays, creatively highlighting the importance of protecting endangered species like elephants.
Maj. Gen. Joseph Doup Deng, State Director of the Wildlife Conservation Service, attended the event as the guest of honor. He commended the people of Ibba and Maridi counties for their pivotal role in wildlife conservation.
“The communities here have been steadfast in supporting the Wildlife Service,” he said. “We greatly appreciate your efforts and encourage you to continue working closely with our partners at Fauna & Flora International (FFI) to protect our valuable wildlife.”
This year’s commemoration comes at a critical juncture for elephant conservation in Western Equatoria, particularly in Ibba and Moruko Payams. Elephant populations in the region face severe threats due to poaching, worsened by South Sudan’s ongoing conflict and economic instability.
Recent reports indicate that only seven elephants remain in these areas, with the Wildlife Conservation Service working around the clock to safeguard them.
Phillip Sandia, representing Fauna & Flora International, emphasized the necessity of community participation in successful conservation efforts.
“The involvement of local communities is key to our mission,” Sandia remarked. “Together, we can protect our wildlife for future generations.”
With a renewed focus on collaboration between conservation organizations and local communities, the event underscored the shared responsibility of safeguarding South Sudan’s endangered wildlife.
