The Intergovernmental Authority on Development has launched the first Project Steering Committee meeting for the Boma–Gambella initiative, marking a significant step toward strengthening transboundary biodiversity conservation in the Horn of Africa.
The meeting, held in Juba, brought together representatives from Ethiopia and South Sudan, alongside regional stakeholders, to advance collaboration in protecting the ecologically Boma–Gambella landscape.
The project seeks to enhance cooperation between the two countries by addressing long-standing coordination challenges in managing shared ecosystems.
It focuses on strengthening dialogue, harmonizing conservation strategies, and promoting sustainable management of biodiversity resources that span national borders.
Building on IGAD’s Biodiversity Management Programme, the steering committee reviewed progress made in 2025, assessed key challenges, and outlined priority actions for the next phase of implementation.
Central to the discussions was the alignment of activities under a coordinated IGAD–APN work plan, aimed at improving efficiency and impact across the transboundary conservation area.
Officials emphasized that the Boma–Gambella landscape is a critical ecological zone, supporting diverse wildlife and sustaining livelihoods for communities living along the border.
As such, enhanced cooperation is essential not only for environmental protection but also for promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
The initiative reflects IGAD’s broader commitment to fostering regional integration and addressing shared environmental challenges through collaborative, evidence-based approaches.
By strengthening institutional coordination and cross-border partnerships, the organization aims to safeguard biodiversity while supporting resilient communities across the Horn of Africa.