A new project to conserve ecosystems and biodiversity around the Kibira and Rusizi protected areas in Burundi has just been launched. Supported by the European Union (EU), Belgium and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project aims to have a positive impact on the quality of life of around 900,000 Burundians living in the areas around the two reserves.
The socio-economic situation of the people living near the Kibira and Rusizi national parks, in the north-west and west of Burundi respectively, promises to improve in the coming months. This is thanks to the Programme for the Conservation and Development of Natural Ecosystems and their Biodiversity for the Green Growth of Rural Communities in Burundi, launched on 27 July 2023 in Bujumbura.
Called « Dukingire Ibidukijije », the objectives of this new biodiversity protection project are aligned with the priorities of the Burundian government. This is reflected in the first component of the project, entitled « Support for governance and sustainable, inclusive and participatory management of the Kibira and Rusizi protected areas ». This component will be implemented by the Burundi branch of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Office burundais de la protection de l’environnement (OBPE).
The project, which will be implemented in 11 communes bordering the two parks in the provinces of Bujumbura, Bubanza and Cibitoke, will promote the conservation and protection of natural resources and the socio-economic development of around 900,000 people living near the targeted protected areas.
The « protected areas » component of the « Dukingire Ibidukijije » programme has received a financial contribution of €4 million from Belgium, €1 million from the European Union (EU) and €1 million from the UNDP. « Lessons learned and/or good practices developed under previous and current biodiversity conservation programmes will be put to good use to achieve greater impact and sustainability, while at the same time involving communities, specifically women and young people living in areas bordering national parks », says UNDP Burundi.
The East African country has 14 protected areas covering 5.6% of the national territory and 31% of the surface area made up of natural ecosystems.
Fanta Mabo
