Conservation Organisations Protecting Burundi's Wildlife (2026)

Quick Answer: The State of Conservation Partnerships in Burundi

Conservation in Burundi is anchored by a collaborative ecosystem of organisations working through the Kibira Foundation, the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and international agencies including the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and local NGOs. These partnerships have raised ecological awareness to "new levels in Burundi" and established the first-of-its-kind co-management agreement between the Kibira Foundation and Burundi's national parks authority, OBPE (Office Burundais pour la Protection de l'Environnement). However, deforestation, climate change, and resource conflicts remain severe threats, with approximately 1,000 hectares of forest lost annually to fires alone.

Why Conservation Partnerships Matter in Burundi

Burundi faces a unique conservation challenge: its remaining forests and wildlife must be protected while the country rebuilds after decades of conflict. Conservation in Burundi is inseparable from peacebuilding. The country's overpopulation, competing claims on forest resources, and historical tensions between communities and conservation authorities have made traditional "fortress conservation" models ineffective. Instead, leading organisations now integrate environmental protection with social cohesion, women's empowerment, and livelihood security for marginalised groups—particularly the Batwa minority communities who depend on forest resources.

Burundi's montane forests—especially the Kibira National Park, which contains "Burundi's only montane forest"—harbour globally significant biodiversity and serve as critical watersheds. Yet these ecosystems face relentless pressure from subsistence farming, fuel-wood harvesting, and illegal logging, compounded by the impacts of climate change and political instability.

Key Conservation Organisations and Their Roles

The Kibira Foundation and Co-Management Model

The Kibira Foundation represents the flagship innovation in Burundi's conservation architecture. Established through a UN Peacebuilding Fund project, the Foundation is a "new entity with public-private partnerships responsible for protecting the Kibira forest and reversing the negative impact of human activity." The Foundation operates under a groundbreaking co-management agreement with OBPE, designed to "promote sustainable park management and catalyse investments in nature-positive businesses."

This model is distinctive because it explicitly recognises the rights and livelihoods of local and Batwa communities. Rather than excluding people from the forest, rangers are trained to "dissolve conflict that fuels the exploitation of the Forest and prevents local and the Batwa communities from deriving the full benefits from ecosystem services." The Kibira Foundation comprises a coalition of NGOs that lead co-management, community cohesion, and biodiversity monitoring.

UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and Environmental Peacebuilding

The UN Peacebuilding Fund has made "its greatest achievement" in the environmental peacebuilding realm through Burundi programmes. The PBF's portfolio in Burundi integrates environmental protection with trauma healing, women's empowerment, and youth engagement—recognising that conservation success depends on social stability. PBF-funded projects have "helped authorities set new standards of environment protection and ecofriendly local development in Burundi" and promoted "social cohesion in local communities" by "safeguarding the rights of Batwa minority and reducing tensions over access to forest resources."

The PBF operates within Burundi's government-led Programme de la Capitalisation de la Paix (2022–2027), emphasising "more context relevance, stronger participation of civil society, and response to local needs."

UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and Nature Investment

The UNCDF implements the Nature Investment Facility's Kibira Forest Sanctuaries Project, a blended-finance initiative running from June 2023 to May 2028. This project "uses blended finance to link nature conservation with green investment in Burundi's Kibira National Park," leveraging a USD 1.5 million investment in the Mpanda hydropower public-private partnership to generate revenue for the Kibira Foundation through a Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) scheme.

The model supports renewable energy production, local job creation, and nature-positive enterprises such as ecotourism, whilst emphasising "community integration and the empowerment of women and Batwa communities, strengthening social cohesion and sustainable livelihoods." UNCDF's work in Burundi is made possible through partnerships with the Kibira Foundation, the Office Burundais pour la Protection de l'Environnement (OBPE), Conservation Communauté de Changement (3C), Communities of Hope (COH), and the Nature Investment Facility.

Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Climate Adaptation

The GEF has allocated funding across multiple focal areas in Burundi. As of 2026, Burundi holds GEF-9 allocations of USD 8 million (with USD 4.46 million for Biodiversity, USD 420,000 for Climate Change, and USD 3.12 million for Land Degradation), alongside ongoing commitments from previous GEF cycles. GEF funds support climate adaptation, forest restoration, and sustainable land management—critical given Burundi's vulnerability to climate shocks.

The Government of Burundi has drafted adaptation and prevention plans including the National Profile on Climate Change and the National Adaptation Plan, with top priorities including hydropower and biogas development, infrastructure adaptation, reforestation, and sustainable farming methods under guidance from the Institut Géographique du Burundi.

Local and Community-Based Organisations

Community-level conservation depends on local NGOs and grassroots initiatives. Key partners include:

• Communities of Hope (COH): Implements forest restoration and sustainable livelihoods around Kibira National Park.
• Conservation Communauté de Changement (3C): Co-implements the Kibira Forest Sanctuaries Project with COH.
• Greening Burundi Association: Implements climate actions and environmental education programmes for schools and communities, focusing on sustainable development and improved agricultural production.
• AGEDD: An NGO focused on environmental health and community forest rehabilitation.
• Wild Earth Allies: Works across Africa with technical expertise in landscape-level conservation planning, protected area management, and community-centred approaches.

Ranger Deployment and Park Protection

Effective wildlife protection depends on trained, equipped, and motivated rangers. The Kibira Peace and Forest programme includes deployment of a new ranger force managed by OBPE, the National Park Authority. Rangers are trained not as enforcement-only personnel but as community mediators—a shift away from earlier approaches where "attempts to prevent poaching led to community resistance against rangers."

The Government of Burundi, with support from the PBF, has committed to training, equipping, and deploying OBPE government park rangers and ecoguards based on consultation with affected communities. This includes defining the "regalian mission," composition, and needs of the park office and ranger force. The emphasis is on building long-term legitimacy and awareness through inclusive recruitment and training procedures.

Threats to Conservation: Deforestation, Climate, and Conflict

Despite these innovations, conservation in Burundi faces severe headwinds:

• Deforestation and Fire: Approximately 1,000 hectares of forest are lost annually to fires in Burundi. Between 2001 and 2021, 17 hectares of forest were lost to fires and 31.8 hectares to other causes, according to Global Forest Watch.
• Climate Change: Burundi is highly vulnerable to climate variability, with impacts on water availability, agricultural productivity, and forest health. The government has prioritised improved electricity generation using hydropower and biogas, reforestation, and sustainable farming methods.
• Resource Conflicts: Competing claims over forest access, fuel wood, and agricultural land generate tension between communities, governments, and conservation authorities. These conflicts are rooted in poverty, population pressure, and historical grievances.
• Institutional Capacity: Local NGOs are "recent and not yet in a position to foster" knowledge-sharing and standardised approaches across the sector, highlighting gaps in technical capacity and coordination.

Financing and Blended-Finance Models

Conservation in Burundi increasingly relies on innovative financing rather than traditional grants alone. The Kibira Forest Sanctuaries Project exemplifies this, combining:

• Peacebuilding Fund grants (initial seed capital)
• Blended finance from the Nature Investment Facility
• Public-private partnerships (e.g., the Mpanda hydropower investment of USD 1.5 million)
• Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes to generate long-term revenue
• GEF and bilateral funding from international partners

UNCDF is developing a USD 2.6 million proposal over 7 years, under consideration for funding from the Mohammed bin Rashid Global Initiatives (MBRGI), signalling growing interest from Gulf-based impact investors in Burundi's conservation.

Community Empowerment and the Batwa Minority

A defining feature of modern conservation partnerships in Burundi is explicit focus on the Batwa indigenous minority, who have inhabited Burundi's forests for centuries. Conservation agreements now mandate:

• Safeguarding Batwa rights to forest access and cultural practices
• Women and youth participation in decision-making
• Livelihood support through sustainable enterprises (e.g., ecotourism, agroforestry)
• Trauma healing and mental health support, recognising the legacy of conflict

The PBF's partnership with women-focused organisations is delivering "transformative action on gender sensitivity in Burundi," whilst the Kibira Foundation explicitly recognises "the cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of the forest to the Batwa people."

Results and Progress (2024–2026)

Early outcomes from the Kibira Peace and Forest programme are encouraging:

• The Kibira Foundation was launched as a functional legal entity with a board and operational capacity to co-manage the forest.
• A co-management agreement between the Kibira Foundation and OBPE was negotiated and signed, establishing unprecedented shared governance.
• Community conservation plans were developed in partnership with village communities, including the establishment of local park watchdog committees in communes around the park.
• "Ecological awareness" in Burundi has been "raised to new levels," with broader public and official recognition of the importance of environmental protection.
• The blended-finance model is attracting new investment: UNCDF has mobilised additional commitments from international impact investors and bilateral donors.

However, implementation challenges remain. The 2024 annual report notes that the project is still in its early phases, with ranger recruitment and training ongoing, and long-term sustainability dependent on successful revenue generation from the Mpanda hydropower and ecotourism ventures.

How Tourism and Travellers Support Conservation

Wildlife safari tourism is integral to conservation funding in Burundi. Visitors who support Burundi's national parks through responsible tourism contribute directly to:

• Park Revenue: Entrance fees and guided-tour spending fund ranger salaries, equipment, and park management.
• Community Benefit: Local employment as guides, lodge staff, and craft vendors creates economic incentives for forest protection.
• Ecotourism Enterprises: The Kibira Foundation is developing nature-positive tourism ventures as part of its green economic transformation strategy.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Visiting travellers become ambassadors for conservation, amplifying calls for continued protection and investment.

On SafariFind, travellers can book conservation-supporting safaris and guided experiences in Burundi that directly fund the organisations and rangers protecting the country's wildlife.

Remaining Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite progress, conservation partnerships in Burundi face persistent obstacles:

• Funding Sustainability: The transition from grant-based funding to self-sustaining revenue streams (PES, hydropower dividends, ecotourism) is unproven at scale and faces execution risks.
• Political Will: The Kibira management plan explicitly requires "real national political will and also an international one." Political instability and competing priorities can undermine long-term commitments.
• Coordination Gaps: Multiple funding streams (PBF, GEF, UNCDF, bilateral donors, impact investors) require careful coordination to avoid duplication and ensure complementarity.
• Climate Vulnerability: Increasing climate variability poses new threats to forest ecosystems and livelihoods, requiring adaptive management and additional investment in resilience.
• Capacity Building: Local NGOs and government agencies require ongoing technical support in monitoring, enforcement, and adaptive management.

Looking forward, the 25-year vision for the Kibira Foundation signals commitment to long-term partnership. The PBF's integration of peacebuilding with conservation offers a replicable model for other conflict-affected regions, and the blended-finance approach is attracting new investment from impact funds and the private sector.

How You Can Support Conservation in Burundi

Book Responsible Safari Experiences: Choose guided tours and lodges that commit a portion of revenue to local conservation organisations. Ask operators how they support rangers, community enterprises, and habitat protection.

Support Local Organisations: Donate to or partner with Burundi-based NGOs such as the Kibira Foundation, Communities of Hope, 3C, and Greening Burundi Association. Direct support strengthens local leadership and sustainability.

Participate in Volunteer Programmes: Many organisations offer opportunities to support forest restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community education. Volunteering provides hands-on experience and direct impact.

Advocate for Continued Funding: Support international peacebuilding and conservation funding mechanisms like the UN Peacebuilding Fund and the Global Environment Facility, which are essential to Burundi's long-term conservation success.

Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the links between conservation, peacebuilding, and community well-being in Burundi. Share this knowledge to build broader support for the work of conservation organisations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kibira Foundation and what does it do?

The Kibira Foundation is a coalition of NGOs established through a UN Peacebuilding Fund project to lead co-management of Burundi's Kibira National Park. It works under a co-management agreement with OBPE (Burundi's national parks authority) to protect the forest, reverse human-caused damage, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support social cohesion. The Foundation also manages a Payments for Ecosystem Services scheme and develops nature-positive enterprises like ecotourism.

Which international organisations are working on conservation in Burundi?

Key international organisations include the UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), which funds environmental peacebuilding; the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), which implements blended-finance projects; the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which funds climate adaptation and biodiversity protection; Wild Earth Allies, which provides technical support; and UNESCO and the UN Development Programme (UNDP), which support broader peacebuilding and development goals.

How much forest is Burundi losing each year?

Approximately 1,000 hectares of forest are lost annually to fires in Burundi. Between 2001 and 2021, 17 hectares were lost to fires and 31.8 hectares to other causes (such as logging and clearing for agriculture) according to Global Forest Watch data.

What is the Kibira Peace and Forest programme?

The Kibira Peace and Forest programme is a UNCDF-implemented project (2023–2028) that links nature conservation with green investment and peacebuilding. It deploys a new ranger force managed by OBPE, supports community forest restoration, and uses blended finance (including a USD 1.5 million hydropower investment) to generate sustainable revenue for the Kibira Foundation through ecosystem services payments.

How are Batwa communities involved in conservation?

Modern conservation partnerships in Burundi explicitly safeguard Batwa rights to forest access and cultural practices, ensure their participation in decision-making, support sustainable livelihoods through enterprises like ecotourism, and provide trauma healing services. The Kibira Foundation recognises the cultural, spiritual, and economic importance of the forest to Batwa people and has reduced tensions over forest resource access.

What is the co-management agreement for Kibira National Park?

The co-management agreement is a first-of-its-kind arrangement between the Kibira Foundation (a coalition of NGOs) and OBPE (Burundi's national parks authority) to jointly manage Kibira National Park. It promotes sustainable park management, catalyses investments in nature-positive businesses, and ensures inclusive consultation with local and Batwa communities in decision-making.

How does blended finance support conservation in Burundi?

The Kibira Forest Sanctuaries Project uses blended finance by combining peacebuilding grants, a USD 1.5 million hydropower public-private partnership, and Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) schemes to generate long-term, self-sustaining revenue for conservation. This model supports renewable energy, local jobs, and nature-positive enterprises while reducing dependence on traditional grants.

What role do rangers play in Burundi's conservation?

Rangers in Burundi are trained not just for enforcement but as community mediators. Their role is to dissolve conflicts over forest access and prevent exploitation, rather than simply preventing poaching. This approach avoids the community resistance that earlier enforcement-only models generated. Rangers are deployed by OBPE with support from the Kibira Peace and Forest programme.

How can visitors support conservation in Burundi?

Visitors can book responsible safaris on SafariFind that support local conservation organisations, hire local guides, participate in volunteer programmes, and choose lodges that commit revenue to rangers and habitat protection. Tourism spending directly funds ranger salaries, park management, and community enterprises, creating economic incentives for forest protection.

What is the UN Peacebuilding Fund's role in Burundi's conservation?

The UN Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) has made its greatest achievement in environmental peacebuilding in Burundi. It funds projects that integrate environmental protection with trauma healing, women's empowerment, and community cohesion. The PBF established the Kibira Foundation and works within Burundi's government-led Programme de la Capitalisation de la Paix (2022–2027), emphasising local participation and context-relevant solutions.

What are the main threats to conservation in Burundi?

The main threats include deforestation (approximately 1,000 hectares lost annually to fires), climate change (affecting water and agricultural productivity), resource conflicts over forest access, and institutional capacity gaps. These challenges are compounded by population pressure, poverty, and the legacy of political instability.

What funding has the Global Environment Facility allocated to Burundi?

As of 2026, Burundi holds GEF-9 allocations of USD 8 million, including USD 4.46 million for Biodiversity, USD 420,000 for Climate Change, and USD 3.12 million for Land Degradation. GEF also supports climate adaptation, forest restoration, and sustainable land management through multiple funding cycles.