12 June 2014 - Seeking new ways of protecting land and natural resources, a two-day conference on environmental justice concluded today in the Western Equatoria capital Yambio.

Held under the theme “Our Land – Our Environment – Our Future”, the activity was organized by the Justice and Peace Commission in Tombura Yambio Diocese with support from CORDAID, a Netherlands-based organization.

“The aim of the conference is to bring all stakeholders to share ideas on how we can protect or have rights to our natural resources,” Justice and Peace Commissioner Manager Minaida Peter Minaida said, adding that natural resources and land caused most conflicts in South Sudan.

The conference resolved to form a taskforce to sensitize the community about their resources through media, short messages and workshops in the state.

State Minister of Agriculture Forestry and Environment John Yugule said his ministry had sent an environmental bill to the state Legislative Assembly. “We as a government have tabled a bill to be discussed in the Assembly and make it into law to protect our environment and resources.”

Suzan Perembatayo, a government representative from Ezo County, urged the government and stakeholders to work as a team in creating awareness of the importance of the environment and the need to stop people from land grabbing and illegally exploiting resources.