KSP Sustainable Brick Production and Energy-Efficient Cooking for Vulnerable Households in South Sudan

The BOKU University, in collaboration with Caritas Austria, focuses on sustainable ecosystem management and climate change mitigation in the Western Equatoria region of South Sudan. This interdisciplinary project integrates scientific research, community-based approaches, and innovative technologies to address socio-ecological challenges. The primary objectives include improving ecosystem health through conceptual modeling, enhancing community capacity for sustainable practices, and contributing to adaptive management frameworks. Key activities involve the introduction of fuel-efficient stoves to 1,250 households, reducing firewood consumption and CO2 emissions, and piloting sustainable brick production using the Compressed Earth Block (CEB) method. These interventions aim to mitigate deforestation, promote sustainable land use, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14,860 tons over 5.5 years. Additionally, the project emphasizes reforestation by planting mango trees and establishing community-based nurseries, fostering ecological, economic, and socio-cultural benefits. Scientific research underpins the project, employing tools such as the Drivers–Pressure–State–Impact–Response (DPSIR) framework and adaptive management principles. This research explores human-induced stressors, indicators, and the impacts of climate change on local ecosystems. Participatory methods, including stakeholder interviews, workshops, and strategic simulations, ensure community involvement and knowledge dissemination. The project aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty reduction, gender equality, climate action, and sustainable consumption. It also integrates teaching and research opportunities for BOKU students, contributing to knowledge development and capacity building. By fostering partnerships between academia, local communities, and NGOs, the initiative aims to create scalable, sustainable solutions for ecosystem management and socio-economic development in vulnerable regions. This research not only addresses immediate environmental and social challenges but also provides a replicable model for sustainable development in similar contexts globally.