In Pursuit of Nature-Based Solutions for A Resilient Burundi

The 22nd meeting of the Sectoral Council of Ministers for the Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM), held in Kisumu, Kenya in February 2024, marked a pivotal moment for the region's environmental sustainability. A commitment of EUR 15 million investment by the Federal Government of Germany was allocated to focus on implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) in Burundi and Rwanda, while fostering knowledge sharing across East African Community (EAC) Partner States.

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A Groundbreaking Mission in Burundi

To kickstart this ambitious initiative, a pre-feasibility study will be conducted in Burundi to identify and assess potential NbS projects. The study was initiated with a kick-off mission from 13 to 17 May 2024, with a mixed team of experts from LVBC Secretariat, PCU, KfW and the Consultant team to discuss the approach with the Burundian Counterparts to obtain deeper insight of the existing challenges in the country. The mission involved extensive stakeholder consultations, site visits, and a workshop.

 

Key Challenges and Opportunities

The on-ground mission allowed an assessment which revealed a complex interplay of environmental, social, and economic factors impacting the region. While the government and local authorities expressed keen interest in NbS, the following capacity constraints posed significant hurdles.

• Environmental challenges: Deforestation, soil erosion, wetland degradation and flooding were identified as primary threats to the basin's ecosystem.

• Institutional gaps: Limited technical expertise and coordination among government agencies hindered effective project implementation.

• Community involvement: Building strong partnerships with local communities is crucial for project success.

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A Path Forward

The mission outlined a clear roadmap for advancing NbS in Burundi. Prioritizing catchment restoration and management is crucial for mitigating downstream challenges such as erosion and flooding. NbS projects should be designed to deliver a wide range of benefits, including rehabilitated catchments, improved water regulation, enhanced biodiversity, and strengthened livelihoods. Building the capacity of government agencies and empowering local communities are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of these initiatives. By engaging local communities in project design and implementation, ownership and buy-in can be fostered, leading to greater project success and impact.

 

The mission outlined a clear roadmap for advancing NbS in Burundi. Some of the activities include:

• Prioritising catchment management: Addressing upstream issues is essential for mitigating downstream impacts like erosion and flooding.

• Integrating multiple benefits: NbS projects should focus on delivering a range of benefits, including catchment restoration, water regulation, biodiversity conservation, and livelihood improvement.

• Strengthening institutional capacity: Building the capacity of government agencies and local communities is vital for long-term sustainability.

• Engaging with local communities: Empowering local communities to participate in project design and implementation will ensure ownership and sustainability.

 

A Sustainable Future

The successful implementation of NbS projects in Burundi holds immense potential for the entire Lake Victoria Basin. By restoring degraded catchments and their ecosystems in the upstream parts of the basin, improving water quality, and enhancing livelihoods, these initiatives contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the entire basin. As the project progresses, close collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and development partners will be essential to address pressing environmental challenges and create a thriving Lake Victoria Basin.