The Wilderness Project in Burundi: A Commitment to cCnservation and Sustainable Development

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©Andika

Soussa Matthew, Development Manager for the Wilderness Project, an American foundation, is in Burundi with his team for an initiative to protect the country’s water resources. A session presenting the project and its achievements in Africa was hosted this Friday, October 18, 2024 within the United States Embassy in Burundi. Working with local partners for over 15 years in Southern Africa, they worked in Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique. Now, the Wilderness Project is launching a new phase of its project, “Great Spine of Africa”, in East African countries,namely, namely Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Our project aims to explore, study and better protect African rivers for human security, water security, conservation and biodiversity,” explains Soussa Matthew. This project highlights the importance of science and storytelling. For Matthew, “science without narrative lacks the power to influence and inform policy.” The Wilderness Project’s integrated approach therefore combines scientific research and communication to raise awareness among decision-makers and local communities.

 

Matthiew Soussa and Ramer Van Brandi explaining the achievements of the Wilderness Project.©Andika

The project has already covered more than 22,000 km of rivers in the Okavango and Zambezi basins. Building on this success, the Wilderness Project is now turning its attention to the Congo River-Nile basin, starting with Burundi, where the southernmost source of the Nile is located. According to Soussa Matthew, “Burundi has an important place in this expedition because of the source of the Nile is located here.”

Collaborating with the University of Burundi and the Burundian Office for Environmental Protection (Office Burundais pour la Protection de l’Environnement-OBPE), the Wilderness Project team is planning a 3 weeks expedition starting in November 2024. This expedition, which will begin at the source of Ruvyironza will take place on foot and by boat. Researchers will measure water quality, analyze human impact, agriculture, and observe local wildlife.

Ramer Van Brandi explaining during the session. ©Andika

Soussa Matthew insists on the participation of students and local filmmakers in this scientific adventure. A doctoral student and a master’s student from the University of Burundi accompany the team, as well as the filmmaker Amani Papy Jamaica. “We want this project to be an opportunity for young Burundians to contribute to the preservation of their environment while training,” he says. The documentary in preparation will highlight the importance of water and rivers for the sustainable development of Burundi.

Ramer Van Brandi explaining during the session.©Andika

The objective of the Wilderness Project is to promote balanced management between conservation and development. As Soussa Matthew indicates, “without the people who live next to the river, it is impossible to have sustainable development. They are the true river experts, and their knowledge is crucial for environmental protection.”

This ambitious project embodies hope for change for Burundi’s neighboring communities while advancing environment protection and biodiversity preservation.

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