Civil Society Coalition Launches Tree Planting Campaign in Bentiu to Tackle Climate Crisis
The Civil Society Coalition on Natural Resource (CSCNR) has launched a tree planting campaign in Bentiu as part of efforts to raise public awareness and respond strategically to the growing climate change crisis in South Sudan.
The launch brought together key stakeholders including officials from the State Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Education, school administrators, traditional chiefs, civil society organizations, people with disabilities (PWDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, youth, women, and students.
Speaking at the event, Gizam Moses, Programme Officer at CSCNR, highlighted the importance of trees in mitigating climate change:
“Growing trees absorb water from the soil and release it into the atmosphere. Their leaves act as interceptors of rainfall, helping with evaporation and precipitation through evapotranspiration. Globally, terrestrial plants contribute nearly 50% of rain generation in summer, and about 40% annually. Trees also store carbon dioxide, prevent floods, and serve as critical habitats for biodiversity,” Moses explained.
He further warned that South Sudan, and Unity State in particular, has suffered the harshest impacts of the climate crisis over the last six years, with vegetation loss, increased food insecurity, ruined grazing lands, and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Moses called on stakeholders to take urgent action:
“It is our collective responsibility to promote climate adaptation—by changing energy consumption habits, improving efficiency, stopping deforestation, and planting more trees. CSCNR will continue lobbying for more resources to scale up awareness campaigns on harmful practices like bush burning and environmental pollution.”
Tapitha Nyalony Gai, Deputy Head Teacher of Bentiu Girls Primary School, expressed excitement over the campaign, stressing the vital role of trees in communities already grappling with prolonged floods, displacement, and loss of livelihoods:
“Climate change has killed our cows, destroyed farms, and displaced our people. Women, in particular, bear the brunt of these challenges. As a school, we will protect the trees planted today, water them, and spread awareness of tree planting across Unity State.”
From the health sector, Chuol Mathuok Piet of the State Ministry of Health welcomed the initiative, noting the direct link between flooding and rising cases of waterborne diseases, especially among women and children:
“As a health practitioner, I can testify that flooding has increased disease outbreaks in Unity. This campaign is timely. Planting trees, including fruit trees, will not only protect our environment but also provide food, shade, and reduce soil erosion.”
The campaign marks a renewed push by civil society to engage local communities in climate action, emphasizing the role of tree planting in resilience building and environmental protection.
