The GEF co-financed project will comprise three complementary components which together will set Southern Sudan on a path towards the achievement of the long term situation: " An ecologically representative and connected network of protected areas, subject to efficient management arrangements suitable for the situation of Southern Sudan and adequately financed through multiple sources". As interim results, it is expected that this project will provide the building blocks towards the establishment of an effective PA system, that is adequately financed and effectively manages an expanded PA network. The GEF intervention is articulated at two different scales: a first central level generating benefits to the overall system and a second site level focused interventions that will test and demonstrate the viability of suggested approaches and protect biodiversity at four key sites. Specifically, it will develop institutional capacity and infrastructure to support protected area management. The three project components are (i) capacity building for PA system management framework; (ii) Site management effectiveness at Zeraf, Southern, Boma and Bandingalo; (iii) Sustainable financing for protected areas network.