In the heart of South Sudan, Unity State has long been a region of lush forests and thriving wildlife. But in recent years, the community has been grappling with an unexpected and devastating consequence of climate change: deforestation driven by recurrent and severe flooding.
The people of Unity State have always lived in harmony with their environment, relying on the dense forests for food, shelter, and livelihoods.
However, as climate change has intensified, the region has experienced unprecedented flooding, turning vast stretches of fertile land into waterlogged wastelands. For communities already on the edge, the floods have brought with them a grim reality.
“It used to be that the rains came and went, and the land would flourish,” says Chuol Jany a Journalist who conducted a research about flooding in the area this month, August 2024.
“But now, the floods come so often and stay so long that our crops can’t grow, and we have no choice but to cut down trees to survive.”
The floods story is echoed by many in Unity State. The persistent flooding has rendered traditional farming impossible, forcing communities to turn to the forests for resources.
The deforestation exacerbates the problem. Without trees to hold the soil in place, erosion intensifies, and the land becomes even more prone to flooding. It’s a vicious cycle that has left the people of Unity State in a constant struggle against the elements.
Environmental activist Thor Yoahnes, highlights the broader impacts: “Deforestation is not just a loss of trees. It’s a loss of habitat for wildlife, a loss of biodiversity, and a loss of our natural defense against climate change. The floods have taken so much from us already, and now they’re taking our forests too.”
Efforts to address the crisis are underway. NGOs and local government initiatives are working to provide alternative livelihoods and sustainable farming practices that can withstand the changing climate. Reforestation projects are also being implemented, though progress is slow and often hampered by ongoing instability in the region.
The people of Unity State said it’s remain resilient, but they face an uphill battle.
State Secretary General Hon. Tutdieng Kuol stated that they adapt to their changing environment, they hold onto hope that with global attention and local action, they can restore the balance between their communities and the forests they depend on.
Floods and deforestation are not isolated issues but are deeply linked, each exacerbating the other. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, considering both immediate human needs and long-term environmental sustainability.
For the people of Unity State, finding this balance is not just a matter of survival, but of preserving their heritage and their future.
