In the Rusizi plain, the vegetation of the “Palmeraie” sector includes more than 1000 plant species dominated by Hyphaene petersiana formations (formerly called Hyphaene benguelensis var. ventricosa Kirk).

This species is heavily exploited by humans. Samples are taken from almost all organs and their uses are frequent in the two neighboring municipalities (Mutimbuzi and Mpanda) and in Bujumbura City Hall.

Hyphaene petersiana is classified as an endangered species requiring a high conservation priority. In addition to the uncontrolled exploitation of this species, we can say that the reserve is threatened by various human activities including agriculture, livestock, the extraction of building materials, handicrafts and others.

In order to contribute to the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Burundian Association for Environmental Impact Studies “ABEIE” has carried out a study entitled “Impact study of socio-economic activities on the false palm “Hyphaene petersiana” and development of the participatory conservation plan for the palm grove sector of the Rusizi nature reserve”.