In accordance with the new law, the Protected Aquatic Landscape, as a protected area established in a natural environment, is under the governance of “Co-management” between the State and the Communities. Such a vision can only be applicable around a common action plan and program for the management of the Protected Aquatic Landscape. It is within this framework, always under the support of GEF/UNDP, that INECN has undertaken consultations and consultations with populations and other stakeholders to develop a concerted plan for the management and development of the Bugesera Protected Aquatic Landscape.

The methodology that guided the development of this plan followed several steps. Initially, it was necessary to hold a two-day meeting with representatives of the communities at the level of the census hills and the administration of provinces, municipalities and areas and the various development partners. It was in this meeting that hills that should be concerned by the conservation activities of the Bugesera Protected Water Landscape were targeted. The participants in the meeting also defined a method for electing representatives who should participate in the future meeting to develop the Management and Development Plan. In a second step, meetings were organized at hill level where the participants were the entire population convened by the communal administration. After explanations of new guidelines by the State in the management of the Protected Aquatic Landscape by the Curator of this protected area. The communities elected their representatives at the future meeting. Thirdly, it was necessary to organize a meeting of four days with the elected representatives of the communities to develop the plan for the management and development of the Protected Aquatic Landscape. The methodology used was a participatory diagnosis based on a guide document for the development of management and development plans prepared for this purpose.

The present management and development plan is therefore a consensus document between the State and the communities and is the result of a highly inclusive participatory process. The implementation of this plan is therefore the mission of all stakeholders. However, the Government of Burundi must play the leading role in these activities for the conservation of this protected area and the development of human environments bordering on it.