War devastates Sudan's ancient acacia forest, threatening ecosystem

Environmental Impact of Conflict on Sudan's Al-Sunut Acacia Forest

Nearly three years of conflict have resulted in the significant degradation of Sudan's Al-Sunut acacia forest, located south of Khartoum. The forest, historically spanning 1,500 hectares, has been reduced to barren fields, according to Khartoum state environmental official Boushra Hamed. It is estimated that 60 percent of the region's green cover has been lost since April 2023. The century-old trees have been cut down using electric saws for commercial timber and charcoal production.

The impact of the forest's destruction extends beyond Sudan's borders. The forest previously served as a habitat for over a hundred migratory bird species from Europe. According to Aboubakr Al-Tayeb, Khartoum's forestry administrator, the loss of tree cover also eliminates a critical barrier against seasonal flooding, which poses a recurrent threat to homes and communities.

Efforts to protect and restore the forest are hindered by ongoing conflict, allowing unchecked logging activities. The landscape, once a site for family recreation, is now traversed by wood gatherers. Restoration is further challenged by the slow growth of seedlings, as noted by Mousa el-Sofori, head of the Forests National Corporation. The destruction of forests that were centuries old presents a significant obstacle to recovery.

Based on reporting by Africanews.