The Sudanese Government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNEP are collaborating on a new initiative which is examining the complex relationship between population dynamics and environmental change.
According to the 2008 National Population Census, Sudan’s population growth rate is 2.5% per annum, with 62% of the population aged 25 or under. Following the July 2011 secession, Sudan now has an estimated 75% of the former country’s total population, and one third of its former natural resource base.
The joint project’s objective is to understand the inter-linkages between population dynamics and environmental degradation in Sudan, and their potential to contribute to the peace and development process through guiding environmental, population and economic policy-making.
The topics of population growth and the environment are currently addressed separately at the country level. The project will examine the significance of population dynamics as a driving factor of environmental change and also consider the impact of environmental factors on issues which impact populations, including water, climate change, livelihoods, demographic changes, and environmental and population governance.
UNEP and UNFPA are aiming to catalyze the environment and population linkages, supported by the lead national institutions and a consultation process with stakeholders, including at the regional level.
An inception workshop, held in March 2012 in Khartoum, brought together 30 participants from government ministries, non-governmental organizations and UN agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Natural Resources, the Ministry of Welfare and Social Security, the Higher Council of the Environment and Natural Resources, and the National Population Council .
For more information, please contact Alawiyya Jamal, Lead Senior Adviser on Environment and Population, on email@example.com.