By Matik Kueth
The Minister of Culture, Museums and National Heritage, Sarah Nyanaath, has called on the country’s youth to abandon violence and embrace peace, saying the inscription of the Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape as the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site presents new opportunities for national development.
Addressing the media upon her arrival at Juba International Airport (JIA) after returning from the 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea on Monday, Nyanaath said the historic recognition should inspire young people to protect the country’s heritage instead of engaging in conflict.
“The youth who are here today, we need to put down guns. There are other important things that are national roles and responsibilities we need to play and Buma-Badingilo present this to us as youth. Time for gun is done. It is time for us to act now and do peaceful things.” Nyanaath said.
She stated that South Sudan’s inclusion on the World Heritage List marks a defining moment in the country’s history and belongs to every citizen.
“This is the first World Heritage property for the Republic of South Sudan and a defining milestone in our nation’s history. The achievement is not only a victory for our ministry or our government, it is a victory for every citizen of the Republic of South Sudan,” she stressed.
Nyanaath stressed that the UNESCO inscription would strengthen South Sudan’s standing in the international community while creating opportunities for biodiversity conservation, scientific research, sustainable tourism, investment, employment and improved livelihoods.
“So today you can participate through Buma-Badingilo migratory landscape activities,” she said, noting that the recognition would “promote biodiversity conservation, enhance scientific research, create opportunities for sustainable tourism, encourage investment, generate employment, support local community livelihood, and contribute to national development and peace building.”
The culture minister also commended President Salva Kiir for encouraging her to pursue achievements that had never been accomplished before.
She emphasized that the World Heritage status comes with greater responsibility, urging South Sudanese to protect the landscape from poaching, land grabbing and environmental destruction.
The Boma-Badingilo Migratory Landscape was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 26th, 2026, becoming South Sudan’s first World Heritage Site.
The vast ecosystem is internationally recognized for hosting one of the world’s largest land mammal migrations and is regarded as one of Africa’s most significant biodiversity landscapes.