Empower Youth Africa in partnership with Un Women Conducted a 5 day Advocacy & Awareness Actions on Climate, Environment & Peace in Greater Pibor Administrative Area. The activity was carried out by EYA’s Team on ground in Pibor Town headed by Rose Sadia William the Project Officer and assisted by Sebit Thawan Ngongo the Community mobilizer 350 (175 Male and 175 Female) participants were targeted from 5 Payams namely; Thangajon, Kavachoch, Lenyeriz, Akilo, and Manyirany on 31st January – 6th February 2024.
Mrs. Sadia Rose William, the project Officer stated that Communities in Thangajon, Kavachoch, Lenyeriz, Akilo, and Manyirany are the most ones affected by conflict, faced with significant challenges that arise from the intersection of Climate change impacts and social tensions. Climate change has resulted in increased environmental vulnerabilities; such as droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather pattern, which directly affect the livelihoods and well-being of these Communities.
She said that, these Climate-related challenges, coupled with existing social tensions and conflicts, create a complex situation that hampers the Communities’ ability to achieve sustainable development, peace, and resilience. The conflict dynamics within these Communities further exacerbate the adverse impacts of Climate change, leading to displacement, resource scarcity, and increased vulnerability.
She also highlighted that those in attendance were provided with information and messages covering the following key areas:
Challenges of climate change, environmental degradation and its impacts on People’s livelihoods Causes of climate and environment related conflicts and social tensions among Communities in GPAA.
Consequences and effects of climate change and environment on the civil population in GPAA, How Communities in GPAA can tackle climate change and environmental challenges and promote peaceful coexistence. Collaboration with Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to integrate Climate resilience and peace building into development plans and policies. Community participation to enhance resilience and foster sustainable development in GPAA and Need for Communities in GPAA to emulate social cohesion, sustainable livelihoods, and Climate resilience integration for their own peace and safety.
Beneficiaries welcomed the event and agreed to work together to address Climate change impacts and conflicts affecting them and the necessity for implementing the Project in order to address these issues effectively.
They said they will focus on building local Climate resilience, Communities with better knowledge since they were equipped during advocacy and awareness raising workshop which has enabled them to cope up with the adverse effects of Climate change.
Mr. Amose Daniel, who represented Akilo Payam said strengthening of the early warning systems and disaster preparedness can help Communities to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events’’. He, as well; added that promoting peace and stability simultaneously in Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and the entire South Sudan is essential for ensuring the success of any development Project. He further commented that by addressing the root causes of conflicts and fostering dialogue and reconciliation among different groups in the Community, a peaceful environment can be established and will enable Communities to focus on socio-economic development and improvement of their livelihoods.
Another participant called Mama Mary Beri said that Building local Climate resilience and promoting peace among Communities in GPAA is crucial for their sustainable development. She went on to state that implementing a Development Project that addresses real issues will make Communities to enhance their capacity to cope with Climate change impacts while fostering peace and stability. Mary concluded that the success of such a Project relies on the collaboration and coordination of various Stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness and long-term impact.”
