The United Nations says there is a very high rate of deforestation in South Sudan. It warns there will be no forests left in the next 50 years if no action is taken.

Arshad Khan, UN Officer in Charge of Environment Program in South Sudan, said most of the tree-cutting activities are done to produce charcoal.

“This has greatly impacted on the deforestation in South Sudan,” Mr Khan told Eye Radio.

Only 30% of South Sudan’s area is covered with forests.

“But the way deforestation is happening, it is predicted that in the next 40 to 50 years there will be no forests left in South Sudan,” he added.

Mr. Khan urged the government to produce environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar.

Today is the World Environment Day. It is marked annually to highlight the need and challenges in conserving the environment.