South Sudan

During a reconnaissance mission to South Sudan in February 2023, the NCEA and the South Sudan’s Ministry of Forestry (MoEF) signed an MoU to explore the needs and feasibility to strengthen the ESIA system. As a first activity, the NCEA undertook a mapping exercise to identify how ESIA is currently practiced and what could be the building blocks for its improvement. The findings in this mapping were validated with key stakeholders during a consultation workshop.

The context of South Sudan is challenging. Despite these challenges, the NCEA will try to provide support to key stakeholders where possible upon their demand. For example, in formulating ESIA regulations and reviewing ESIAs in priority sectors like water and disaster risk management.

Legislation in South Sudan

As far as the NCEA is aware, there is no operational legal system for ESIA in South Sudan. The Draft National Environmental Bill 2013 (approval still pending) of South Sudan provides for the establishment of an autonomous South Sudan National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) to act as the watchdog on all public institutions, private companies and individuals defaulting against the stipulated environmental laws and regulations. Until the Authority is fully established, the duties and functions of the Authority are delegated to the Ministry responsible for environment and forests. The ESIA system is thus probably still under development and has not yet been legally established. More information about the draft Environmental Protection Bill van be found here This link opens in a new tab.