Salesian Missions in Gumbo, South Sudan

By Fr David Tulimelli, SDB

Gumbo, South Sudan, 19 May 2016 -- Yesterday and Today, we the school children of Don Bosco Primary (IDP children) have planted more than 815 trees. It was a great joy to see how children are actively participating in the event. More than 90 children were involved in planting.

Out Aim is to plant more than 3000 trees in our compound. We would like to implement the teachings of Holy Father by inculcating in us the love for nature.

South Sudan is losing its forests. Several decades of war, during which the country’s environment was neglected, coupled with post- independence challenges and tension with Sudan, have resulted in environmental degradation here. And it is largely caused by rampant deforestation.

Isaac Woja, an agriculturalist and natural resources management expert, said the rate of deforestation was of concern.

“The rate at which people are cutting trees is worrying. If this trend continues future generations are going to suffer. South Sudan may become a desert like what you see in the north,” he told IPS.

While there is no information on the exact number of forests in the country, according to 2009 figures from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, forests and woodlands cover an estimated 29 percent of the land area or 191,667 square kilometres

A study conducted in 2010 by the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), dubbed the Forest Resources Assessment, estimated that a high rate of up to 2,776 square kilometres of forests and other wooded land were being lost annually in South Sudan.

We the children of Don Bosco would like to plant as many trees as we can to bring an awareness among the people. We are sure that its a process, we are confident that we will be able to do something.

Thanks a lot to all the donors, friends, who constantly support and guide us.

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