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South Sudan's Vast Antelope Migration Path Gets World Heritage Status
27 Jul
Summary
- Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape in South Sudan is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- The UNESCO listing highlights threats from war and climate change to the area.
- Over one million animals migrate annually through this vast South Sudanese wilderness.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has officially designated South Sudan's Boma-Badingilo migratory landscape as a World Heritage Site in Danger. This significant listing, the first for the young nation, recognizes the immense ecological value of the grassland and woodland savannahs.
The Boma-Badingilo landscape spans approximately 37,500 square kilometers, a territory larger than Belgium. It is crucial for the annual migration of over one million animals, including numerous species of antelopes and gazelles. The scars left by their movement are visible even from the sky, illustrating the scale of this natural phenomenon.
This UNESCO recognition comes as the landscape faces severe threats from ongoing conflicts within South Sudan and the escalating impacts of climate change. The listing aims to draw international attention and potentially unlock vital funding for preservation efforts, safeguarding this unique natural heritage and its associated cultural significance for local communities.
