In Burundi, protected areas are handicapped by the fact that they are established on small areas that do not allow them to ensure real sustainability, recognizes the OBPE. In addition, they are threatened by demographic pressure. With funding from the European Union, non-governmental organizations are trying to find solutions to these challenges.

Samuel Nibitanga, director of forests at OBPE (Burundian Office for Environmental Protection) said that Burundi has 14 protected areas consisting, among others, of three national parks, six nature reserves, two natural monuments and three protected landscapes. They have an area of approximately 166,668.5 ha, or 5.9% of the national territory. Natural vegetation in protected areas includes 55% of the areas available throughout the country. Regarding aquatic ecosystems, out of a total of 263,400 ha, only 10% are in protected areas. Mr. Nibitanga regrets that protected areas in Burundi suffer from the disadvantage of being established on small areas, not allowing them to protect large areas and their eco-tourism to ensure real sustainability.