Since 2008, Burundi, with the desire to mitigate conflicts in the management of protected areas, has conducted a “Study of the modes of governance and categories of current and future protected areas in Burundi”. In 2011, a law providing new guidelines for the management of protected areas in Burundi was enacted.

In accordance with this law, the Rusizi Nature Reserve (RNR), as a protected area established in a natural environment, fell under the governance of “Co-management” between the State and the Communities. The co-management type of governance responds to the variety of rights recognized by democratic societies and demonstrated by the sharing of authority and management responsibility between the State and local communities. Such a vision can only be applicable around an action plan and a program established in consultation between the State and local communities. It is within this framework, with the financial support of CARPE/IUCN, that APRN/BEPB has undertaken consultations and consultations with populations and other stakeholders to develop a concerted co-management plan and put in place incentives for RNR.