Safeguarding Sudan’s Natural Heritage: SUDIA and UNESCO Partner for the Recovery of Protected Areas

SUDIA is proud to announce that it has officially entered into a contract with UNESCO to lead the project: “Development of Strategy and Recovery Plan for the Conservation of Protected Areas in Sudan amid Conflict”. This critical initiative is part of the UNESCO Emergency Programme for Sudan and addresses the severe environmental deterioration caused by the conflict that erupted on 15 April 2023.

The ongoing war has had a devastating impact on Sudan’s environmental governance, leaving vital monitoring systems non-operational due to the absence of guards and scientists. Key research facilities and laboratories have been damaged, and valuable equipment has been destroyed or looted. In response, this project aims to define a clear path for conservation in a post-conflict Sudan.

Our work will focus on assessing the impact of the conflict on the protected areas system, specifically targeting sites such as the Dinder Biosphere Reserve, Sunut Wetland, and Red Sea coastal ecosystems. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive Recovery Plan and a Future Management Strategy for Sudan’s protected areas, aligned with international standards like the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) and Natural World Heritage criteria.

The engagement will culminate in a Hybrid Validation Meeting in late June 2026, where stakeholders will gather to review and finalise the proposed recovery measures. At SUDIA, we remain committed to building safe and dignified lives in harmony with nature, ensuring that Sudan’s unique biodiversity is protected for future generations.

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