Before South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the region faced severe environmental challenges due to decades of civil war, limited infrastructure, and weak governance. Conflict led to widespread displacement, deforestation, and land degradation, while unregulated resource exploitation and poor water management exacerbated environmental damage. The population struggled with inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, leading to frequent humanitarian crises. Economic development was hindered by underdeveloped infrastructure and a reliance on subsistence agriculture. Efforts to improve the situation began with the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ended the civil war and brought international aid and development programs focused on recovery and sustainable environmental management.