Although the Republic of South Sudan has faced challenges posed by armed conflicts, the country has been working with the UN Environment and other international partners to address environmental degradation. 

The country’s State of Environment and Outlook Report, as the result of a joint study by UNEP and the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, was launched. This report recognizes the ongoing conflict in the country as a major impediment to the protection of environmental assets, the productive use of natural resources and the good governance. It also highlights that this country lacks effective and peaceful mechanisms to address the disputes over ownership of natural resources and to resolve the challenges of returnees and refugees. 

The environmental situation in the country has been further affected by climate change and natural hazards. The climate change could lead to poor sanitation, food insecurity and exacerbate access to safe water. Since a majority of the population in South Sudan relies on subsistence agriculture, a flourishing agriculture sector is very important to the  long-term development of this country. It depends on the viability of water and land resources. The report also recommends measures in relation to risk reduction and climate adaption are necessary for long-term development. Since the country has one of the three largest animal migrations, the country also face threats from ivory poaching. 

Except the climate change, the rapid increase of charcoal production is the other environmental challenge. These challenges not only affect the environment and wildlife, but also jeopardize the potential for livelihood chances from ecotourism. In spite of these threats, the report lays the foundations and the benchmark for assessments, mapping natural resources. The findings in the report can be used to future planning and management of natural resources and protecting the country’s environment. This report recommends to enhance institutions, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and advocates to use natural resources as a platform for building peace via stronger dispute resolution mechanism.