ACD

Agency for Conservation and Development

Dedicated to protecting and restoring the pristine Sudd Ramsar site. We empower communities, preserve invaluable biodiversity, and cultivate sustainable livelihoods across South Sudan.
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COMMUNITY-LED ECOSYSTEM PRESERVATION

About ACD

Agency for Conservation and Development (ACD) was established with a vital mission: to protect South Sudan’s rich, yet vulnerable, natural ecosystems. By working hand-in-hand with local populations, we build lasting conservation strategies that align ecological health with human prosperity.

  • Community Wildlife Ambassadors (CWAs) guarding critical habitats
  • Community Peace Advocates (CPAs) resolving local resource conflicts

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OUR CORE OBJECTIVES

Building a Resilient & Sustainable Future

Alternative Livelihoods

Developing sustainable agricultural practices, micro-enterprises, and eco-friendly trade solutions that support local economies while heavily reducing community reliance on natural resource extraction.

Wildlife Protection

Defending vulnerable species and migration routes by mobilizing community-led monitoring systems, building conservation awareness, and establishing critical buffer zones in major habitats.

Peacebuilding

Mitigating conflict arising over shared water and grazing pastures through restorative dialogues, collaborative natural resource agreements, and youth-focused peace workshops.
Advocates of a Safe Ecosystem

Our Core Vision & Mission

Our Vision

We envision a thriving, resilient South Sudan where pristine wildlife corridors are fully protected, community-led conservation drives local economies, and sustainable livelihoods foster lasting peace. Our goal is a harmonious ecosystem where human communities and nature co-exist in prosperity.

Our Mission

To empower local communities through grassroots conservation initiatives, facilitate peacebuilding dialogues that unite resource management, and implement sustainable agricultural practices. We secure critical habitats while ensuring the people of South Sudan are active stewards and primary beneficiaries.
The 3 Cs: Communication, Coordination, and Collaboration

Our Core Values

Accountability & Responsibility

We take absolute ownership of our commitments, ensuring ethical stewardship of conservation and community peace resources.

Transparency

Operating with open books and honest communication, building unbreakable trust with local communities and global partners.

Integrity & Ethics

Rooted in strong moral principles, we ensure that every peacebuilding dialogue and conservation action is executed honorably.

Partnership & Commitment

Deeply committed to co-creating sustainable livelihoods through robust local and international community coalitions.
AREAS OF FOCUS

Thematic Programs

1. Wildlife Conservation and Environmental Protection (Core)

Wildlife conservation and environmental protection lie at the heart of ACD’s work in South Sudan’s Sudd Wetland and Sobat Corridor. The Agency engage communities in protecting threatened wildlife and habitats through Community Wildlife Ambassadors, wildlife monitoring, conservation education and collaboration with conservation partners and government authorities. The approach promotes coexistence between people and wildlife while addressing poaching, uncontrolled bush burning and tree cutting for charcoal. By placing communities at the centre of conservation, ACD helps safeguard biodiversity and the natural resources that sustain local livelihoods.

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2. Conflict Resolution (Peace Building)

ACD supports communities to resolve disputes peacefully and strengthen relationships across ethnic, clan and administrative boundaries. Working with Community Peace Advocates, traditional leaders, women, youth and local authorities, the Agency facilitates inclusive dialogue and locally led conflict resolution. The peace building approach addresses tensions around cyclic revenge attacks and shared natural resources hence, promoting cooperation in protecting wildlife and sustaining livelihoods. ACD recognize lasting peace as essential to community well being and effective conservation.

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3. Resilience Programming (Food Security and Livelihoods)

ACD strengthens food security and livelihoods by helping communities build the skills and resources needed to withstand conflict, flooding, drought and economic hardship. Our resilience programming supports practical livelihoods training, productive assets and sustainable use of locally available resources, with particular attention to women, youth and vulnerable households (IDPs and returnees). By improving livelihood opportunities, the Agency helps reduce hunger and dependence on practices that damage wildlife and habitats. We connect resilience, peace building and conservation so that communities can meet their needs while protecting their environment for future generations.

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Leadership & Governance

Our Structure

Agency for Conservation and Development (ACD) operates under a robust, decentralized governance model designed to foster accountability, local ownership, and ecological integrity. We believe that sustainable conservation and peacebuilding are only possible through inclusive, representative, and transparent leadership at every level of our organization.

Female Staff Representation
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Our commitment to gender equity is reflected actively in our operations. With 60% female staff representation, we champion diverse perspectives in community conservation and peacebuilding dialogues across South Sudan.

Governance Bodies

Guiding our strategic vision and maintaining institutional integrity through strict oversight and diverse advisory support.
  • General Assembly (Supreme decision-making body comprising local stakeholders)
  • Board of Trustees (Fiduciary oversight, financial compliance, and legal guardianship)
  • Advisory Board (Scientific experts, community leaders, and conservationists)

Operational Staff

Executing on-the-ground initiatives, fostering community relations, and driving scientific conservation work daily.
  • Executive Director & Secretariat (Operational leadership and project execution)
  • Field Program Coordinators (Overseeing community development & habitat safety)
  • Community Conservation Officers & Researchers (On-the-ground monitoring and wildlife care)

Where We Are

A geographical snapshot of our conservation footprint across the Sudd Swamp and surrounding regions, supported by key local coordination hubs.

Head Office: Old Fangak

Ez Zeraf Game Reserve (675,000 ha)

Coordination Offices

Juba, Chuilbong, Chuil, Tonga, Akobo East

Wildlife Ambassadors

181 Trained CWAs (67 Females)

Community Peace Advocates (CPAs)

94 Trained CWAs (70 Females)

The Grassroot Approach

Our conservation model centers heavily on local stewardship. By empowering Community Wildlife Ambassadors (CWAs), we establish a direct, sustainable presence within the massive expanse of the Ez Zeraf Game Reserve.
Ambassadors are trained on the ground for vital tracking tasks. Equipped with precision GPS devices and camera traps, they record invaluable environmental data, monitor vulnerable wildlife, and facilitate peaceful conflict resolution in surrounding communities.
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