Bentiu, South Sudan – April 2025: As part of efforts to help communities recover from conflict and environmental degradation, the government of Unity State has launched a major tree-planting campaign with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU). The initiative aims to plant one million trees across the State, helping restore the environment, improve food security, and support families as they return, resettle, and restore their livelihoods.
This initiative is part of a broader programme funded by the EU to support displaced populations while strengthening local service delivery systems, economic recovery and peacebuilding.
"It is encouraging to see these communities rebuilding their lives after years of hardship. The locally-led, climate-smart solutions give hope," said Timo Olkkonen, Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan. "The EU remains committed to supporting climate-smart and durable interventions that lay the foundations for South Sudan's long-term stability and recovery."
The Governor of Unity State, Hon. Riek Bim, officially launched the campaign on 27 April 2025 in Bentiu by planting the first tree, marking the start of a five-year effort to bring back greenery and strengthen resilience in areas hard-hit by conflict and climate shocks.
“The tree-planting efforts offer hope for restoring Bentiu’s greenery, enhancing the environment, and promoting human health – a return to what was once proudly known as ‘Green Bentiu,’” said Hon. James Gai Gatduel, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Forestry in Unity State. “We commend the process and the initiative supported by IOM and the European Union, and I urge other stakeholders to contribute to its expansion across additional counties in Unity State.”
Unity State, once an agricultural hub, has seen widespread deforestation, severe flooding, and protracted displacement in recent years. The 2021 floods alone displaced thousands and destroyed farmlands, worsening hunger and water shortages. The new tree-planting effort will help address these challenges by creating natural protection against floods, improving soil and water conditions, and offering long-term sources of food, fuel, and income.
Led by the local government of Unity State, the campaign is aligned with local priorities and complements ongoing recovery and climate adaptation efforts. By focusing on fast-growing and fruit-bearing trees and involving communities in every stage – from planning to planting and care – it promotes local ownership, builds skills, and creates jobs.
“By tackling the root causes of vulnerability – from climate challenges to lack of jobs and limited infrastructure – we’re supporting communities in Bentiu and Rubkona to become stronger and more self-reliant,” said Vijaya Souri, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission. “However, planting trees is just one part of the solution; sustainable recovery also depends on access to housing, livelihoods, and safe drinking water.”
This initiative is a component of IOM’s Transition Approach in Unity State, which supports communities to move beyond humanitarian assistance by creating the conditions for long-term recovery, stability, and self-reliance.
For media inquiries, kindly contact IOM South Sudan Public Information, Tel: 0912380115 Email: isspi@iom.int