Implementation of the Convention
Measures Taken to Achieve the 2010 Target
Goal 1: Promote the conservation of biological diversity of ecosystems, habitats and biomes
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan provides details on which ecosystems require protection, taking into consideration the representativeness of phytogeographic territories. By the very fact that Burundi is in the middle of Africa, some of the great ecosystems of this continent are preserved, namely: the mountain forests of the central African afro-montane system (95% protected); clear forests of the Zambezian zone (45% protected); forests under the Guinea-Congo influence (100% protected); xerophilic forests of the oriental zone (100% protected). In addition, the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, as well as the National Strategy and Action Plan for capacity-building in respect of biological diversity, highlight several vulnerable sites and/or high levels of biodiversity that require immediate protection (e.g. northern lakes, Lake Tanganyika, marshy system of the Bugesera dry depression, clear forests and wooded savannas of the Kumoso depression).
Goal 4 : Promotion of sustainable use and rational consumption
The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan envisages implementation of the following specific objective: Consolidation of management plans regarding sustainable use and valorization of biological resources
As a result of having ratified the CITES Convention, Burundi has indicated political will to ensure that species of wild flora and fauna will not be threatened by international commerce. Burundi is in the process of preparing an implementation document in order to best achieve this objective.
Goal 5 : Reduction of pressures caused by habitat loss, degradation, soil change, over-exploitation of water resources
Objective 3 : Establishment, maintenance and surveillance of an integrated network of protected areas or of other important zones of protection for representative biodiversity. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan contains the strategic objective to “Ensure continuous surveillance in order to reduce or eradicate the different types of threats that can influence biodiversity conservation.”
Goal 7: Investigate challenges posed to biological diversity by climate change and pollution
The National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan provides adaptation options for biodiversity affected by climate change, while taking into consideration the vulnerability of the following sectors: agriculture, forests, drylands, mountain landscapes and ecosystems.
Initiatives in Protected Areas
An assessment of capacity-building needs for the management of protected areas was carried out which assisted in identifying several obstacles and actions to be undertaken in this area. An assessment of capacity-building needs to further develop legislative, regulatory and institutional elements was also conducted out and assisted in identifying several obstacles and actions to be undertaken in this area. Burundi has taken great effort to conserve vulnerable ecosystems, particularly those in aquatic zones. Burundi has recently created a northern protected aquatic landscape that has resulted in the conservation of more than 30,000 ha, increasing the level of conservation of the interior water mass of the country from 0,2% to 14,2%. This northern protected aquatic landscape integrates the following protected areas: the integrated Natural Reserve of Murehe; the managed Reserve of Lake Rwihinda; the managed Reserve of Lake Rweru; the managed Reserve of Lake Cohoha; the integrated protected zones of Lakes Gacamirinda, Mwungere, Nagitamo and Kanzigiri. Burundi has recently initiated the production of a quarterly scientific bulletin to disseminate information on the biodiversity of protected areas targeted towards the scientific community, students, NGOs and journalists.
Initiatives for Article 8(j)
Intellectual property legislation is in place, providing a framework under which traditional knowledge is protected. Burundi has also created an adequate network to facilitate collaboration between members of the Association of Traditional Practitioners (ATRAPRABU) that use medicinal plants and the Ministry of Public Health. Burundi has carried out several participatory assessments around Kibira National Park and Ruvubu National Park which has resulted in the implementation of community conservation and development plans. Also, the initiation of microprojects has permitted the population to become involved in conservation activities. With support from the Belgian CBD National Focal Point, Burundi has produced five documents on traditional knowledge, within the context of biological diversity, that will be made available on Burundi’s CHM website in two weeks.
