South Sudan government and Ministry of Environment and Forest in Particular has urged all the Citizens and the public to team up in the war against plastic pollution.
In her speech on World Environment Day 05″ June 2025, Minister of Environment and Forest Josephine Napwon Cosmos urged the Citizens to take responsibility in ending plastic pollution.
On every 5th of June, the world unites for World Environment Day, an urgent global call to protect the planet.
Observed across more than 150 countries, it stands as the largest international platform dedicated to raising awareness and sparking action for the environment.
The minister appealed to South Sudanese to support the government in managing plastics in the country.
“Today, I urge everyone to take action. Let us commit to reducing our plastic footprints. This can begin with simple steps in our daily lives: using reusable bags, avoiding single-use plastics, and encouraging our families and friends to do the same. Together, we can create a ripple effect that leads to meaningful change.” The Minister said.
“We must also educate ourselves and others about the impacts of plastic pollution. Knowledge is a powerful tool. By sharing information, we can inspire our communities to adopt sustainable practices and protect our environment for future generations” she said in a statement.
She expressed that the day celebrated under “Ending Plastic Pollution Globally,” alongside South Sudan theme, “Prevent Plastic Pollution, Protect Life required action from all the people in the country.
In South Sudan, plastic pollution is a major environmental and health issue, with an estimated 73% of solid waste being plastic.
The Minister appreciated the local organizations for their support adding that their efforts contributed alot to the progress in the fight against the plastic pollution.
“I commend the local organizations and volunteers around who have already taken significant strides in cleaning our rivers, streams and educating our communities on the impacts of plastic pollution and the sustainable practices. Your efforts are invaluable, and I encourage everyone to engage in such initiatives. Together, we can organize clean-up campaigns and awareness that not only clean our surroundings but also foster a culture of environmental stewardship” she said
The founder of Greening South Sudan, Garang Maguet Garang expressed that the plastic pollution has obstructed the progress of tree planting in the country.
“The rate of plastic waste pollution is making planting of trees difficult especially in the city, due to the rate of soil pollution with accumulation of plastic waste in soil infertile making planting of trees difficult because we buy fertile soil from the stream hence making planting unaffordable to the local population” Maguet said.
He called on the government double efforts in ensuring that the plastic pollution is deal with.
“We need to increase the rate of community awareness about the dangers of plastic waste in the country. Government should prioritise the recycling of plastic waste that also comes with opportunity for employment of youth in recycling on waste and building of housing at affordable cost” he said
“It’s government’s responsibility to put restrict laws that punishes the people with reckless damping of waste” he added
