Alliance for Environment and Rural Development [AERD] is a prominent research and conservation based organization with Head Office in Juba, South Sudan. The organization was established in 2017; by South Sudanese Aquatic Ecologist John Sebit BENANSIO with aim to support research and policy development; advocate for conservation of biodiversity and efficient habitat management; poverty alleviation through sustainable livelihood development and resilience programme of local population in South Sudan. Alliance for Environment and Rural Development was officially registered with Relief and Rehabilitation Commission Under Chapter 3, Section 10, of NGOs Act 2016.
Our organization focuses on the intersection of ecological research and community engagement, aiming to foster sustainable practices that benefits both the environment and local population. The AERD seeks to develop effective conservation strategies that are culturally relevant and scientifically sound. Our conservation approach was designed to achieve our objectives of involving local population engagement in conservation of natural resources with focus on the needs and priorities of local population. Our conservation approaches are unique among the national and international organizations in South Sudan. The AERD conservation approaches involves efforts to design local solutions that integrate local ecological knowledge with scientific research. Our organization seeks to develop a local solution for livelihood sustainability based on self-help approach basis; and this local solution will be owned by the local communities for generations.
Since 2019, our organization have conducted extensive research on various ecological topics related to the unique Sudd Wetlands ecosystems of South Sudan. The AERD’s research work encompasses a range of studies that explore the impacts of climate change on local communities, the dynamics of wildlife interactions, and the conservation of endangered species.
Alliance for Environment and Rural Development has been working in partnerships with government and local communities in South Sudan with an aim of achieving its core approaches of ecological research, conservation of biodiversity, community engagement in livelihood development and resilience programme. Our organization is currently operating Shambe National Park in Yirol East County of Lakes State. Furthermore, the organization works in section of Badingilo Landscape in Terekeka County of Central Equatoria State.
