Mutasim Adam (ELP 2022) | Environmental Inspector, Higher Council of Environment, Urban and Rural Promotion, Sudan
Rebuilding Sudan: Nature as a Bridge to Peace in Challenging Times
Sudan, a country rich in natural resources and biodiversity, is at a pivotal moment in its history. The war that began in April 2022 has caused immense destruction, displacing millions, crippling infrastructure, and eroding critical institutions. Amid this turmoil, Sudan’s natural environment offers a unique opportunity to foster recovery and unity. Inspired by the “Peace with Nature” theme from COP 16, Sudan has the chance to redefine its relationship with the environment, using it as a foundation for healing and rebuilding.
Nature: A Common Ground for Unity
During COP 16 in Cali, Colombia, global leaders discussed the role of nature in peacebuilding. This message resonates strongly with Sudan, where the environment and its biodiversity are more than just natural assets—they are a shared heritage that can bring people together. Protecting and restoring natural resources offers a neutral platform where different groups can collaborate, building trust and fostering reconciliation in a deeply divided nation.
Sudan’s involvement in global environmental discussions signals a readiness to make sustainable practices a central part of its recovery. By viewing its natural resources not as victims of war but as tools for rebuilding, Sudan can leverage its environment to drive dialogue and cooperation. In doing so, the country can transform its rich biodiversity into a catalyst for peace and progress.
Reflections on Loss: The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum at the University of Khartoum was not just a repository of scientific knowledge; it was a space that symbolized the beauty and complexity of Sudan’s biodiversity. It was a place that connected me deeply to the natural world, housing everything from crocodiles, diverse reptiles, and snakes, alongside hundreds of taxidermied bird’s species. Some of these birds are rare, while others represent species that have sadly become extinct. Among the larger specimens were a hippopotamus, the remains of an African elephant, and a rhinoceros, each symbolizing Sudan’s remarkable ecological diversity and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
When war broke out, the museum was caught in the crossfire. Specimens that represent Sudan’s unique natural heritage were likely destroyed, and animals once reliant on human care were left to perish. What was once a sanctuary of learning and inspiration became a scene of profound loss.
This devastation was not just the loss of a building or its collections—it was the severing of a vital link to Sudan’s natural and cultural identity. Despite this, the museum’s memory reminds me of the lessons it imparted: the significance of every living being, the delicate balance of nature, and the importance of conservation. These lessons continue to inspire a vision of a future where Sudan’s natural treasures are valued and preserved.
Environmental Peacebuilding and Collaboration
Sudan’s natural resources hold immense potential for uniting its people. In conflict-prone regions such as Darfur, local initiatives have already shown how environmental restoration can foster cooperation. Reforestation projects and land rehabilitation efforts have brought communities together, encouraging dialogue and rebuilding trust. By prioritizing conservation, Sudan can transform its natural resources into tools for peace.Moreover, Sudan’s engagement with international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) offers valuable opportunities for accessing funding, expertise, and technology. Aligning local conservation initiatives with global biodiversity goals strengthens these efforts and ensures their sustainability. Through such partnerships, Sudan can integrate environmental conservation into its broader peacebuilding strategies, creating a roadmap for recovery and growth.
A Vision for the Future
As Sudan rebuilds, its natural environment provides a path toward healing and renewal. The concept of “Peace with Nature” offers more than a framework—it inspires a vision of a future where Sudan’s rivers, forests, and lands symbolize resilience and unity. By embracing this approach, the country can foster a culture of conservation that bridges, divides, and strengthens its foundation for lasting peace. In a nation as diverse as Sudan, nature serves as a common thread that connects its people. It reminds us of the shared heritage that unites us, even in the face of adversity. By valuing and protecting this bond, Sudan can emerge from its challenges stronger, with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to building a harmonious future.
Blog cover image provided by the blog author, Mutasim Adam.