Summary:

• Central Darfur in South Sudan faces worsening environmental degradation due to extensive and indiscriminate tree cutting, primarily driven by the ongoing conflict between the army and Rapid Support Forces, with environmental activist Mr Khader Al-Salik revealing a devastating collapse in the forest sector, especially in Zalingei and its suburbs, where vital trees for firewood and charcoal production are being severely impacted.

Environmental degradation is intensifying in Central Darfur State of South Sudan, with the forest sector experiencing a devastating collapse.

Particularly in the city of Zalingei and its suburbs, forests are undergoing unjust and unprecedented felling, directly influenced by the ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, leading to both direct and indirect effects on the area’s trees.

Mr Khader Al-Salik, an environmental activist and forestry specialist, revealed to Radio Tamazuj that the indiscriminate tree cutting has adversely affected all the forests in the state, aggravating the situation in Central Darfur.

He highlighted that the forests were already in a compromised state before the war and the ongoing conflict has pushed them to the brink of collapse with encroachment on the best areas.

The destruction is particularly impacting vital trees used for firewood in bakeries and charcoal production.

During his investigation, Mr Al-Salik encountered a charcoal production site, describing it as an “ambush,” which yielded 280 bags of charcoal through a relatively simple process.

He concluded that the owner of the charcoal production site might have needed to destroy approximately 800 trees to produce this amount of charcoal, further emphasising the dire consequences of the environmental impact in the region.

Amidst the challenges brought about by the ongoing war, the environmental activist is urging citizens and youth to recognise the importance of preserving trees despite the current reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking.

Mr Al-Salik proposes initiatives focused on planting trees in the areas where they have been cut down aiming to increase the chances of restoring lost trees in the future.

Professor Imad Mahmoud identifies Zalingei and Central Darfur as among the areas where forests have suffered severe damage.

With the absence of alternatives to cooking gas, charcoal has become the primary cooking resource for citizens, especially in the current winter season.

Prof Mahmoud attributes the forest damage to the booming charcoal market and the high demand in Zalingei and surrounding areas.

The price of a bag of charcoal has surged to 4,000 Sudanese pounds, signalling potential environmental disasters.

Agriculture specialist, Mr Asmar Abu Bakr, speaking to Radio Tamazuj, emphasises that the environment is the sector most adversely affected by both natural disasters and wars.

He suggests a practical solution to the issue of lost trees including replanting the forests by scattering forest seeds, distributing seedlings and raising awareness about the importance of forests through theatre and the arts.