The indigenous peoples called Batwa in Burundi present a diversity of cultures and lifestyles. In Busoni commune, these people lived in the days of pottery, harvesting and hunting for the resources of the Murehe Nature Reserve. In addition, fishing in Lake Rweru is one of the activities that contributed to the survival of this people. This community lives between two areas protected by the National Institute for Environment and Nature Conservation (INECN). These are Lake Rweru and the Murehe Nature Reserve. The project then meets the needs of the indigenous peoples of Busoni who need the natural resources of these protected areas. The planned activities fit well into the culture and identity of Batwa de Busoni and are the result of consultations that APRN/BEPB has carried out with this population in order to see together the ways out of their misery while respecting the legislation in force in Burundi with regard to environmental protection and development. Lake Rweru has tourist attractions that have not yet been exploited that could generate a lot of monetary income such as floating islands and migratory birds that come from several corners of the world, especially from Europe in winter.

	International Fund for Agricultural Development
	Mainyoita Passtoralists Integrated Development Organisation

1. Promotion of beekeeping

A modern apiary housing 80 modern hives for members of the Garukirabatwa association has been installed between the Murehe Nature Reserve and Lake Rweru precisely in a plot available by the APRN/BEPB. Apiculture tools were provided for members of the Garukira Abatwa Association. In addition, training on beekeeping was given to 20 Batwa, including 10 women. Apiculture equipment was donated to the association's trained beekeepers. The business already generates honey that is consumed by the direct beneficiaries and another part of the harvest is sold (45 kg of honey was already sold in January 2014). Beekeeping is an activity that was part of their lifestyle but this time it will be exploited in a modern and very profitable way.

An apiary of 90 modern hives on the project site. A training course on beekeeping for 20 people from the Batwa community in Busoni.

2. Promotion of basketry

Basketry training on the manufacture of items using artisanal herbs including Cyperus papyrus. These are aquatic herbs that are very abundant in the marshes of Lake Rweru. 20 people, including 10 women from the Batwa community in Busoni, were trained in the manufacture of Cyperus papyrus items, mainly consisting of bags and baskets. They are continuously manufactured by this community and are exhibited in APRN/BEPB points of sale.

The Batwa of Busoni learn to make items from Cyperus papyrus. These items are sold in the “PAPYRUS” houses in Gatare, Yaranda and Gatumba.

3. Promotion of tourism on Lake Rweru in favor of indigenous peoples

A tourist boat with motor was manufactured and made available on Lake Rweru by the project. He will shuttle across Lake Rweru in Kirundo province. The boat has a capacity to transport 10 people. Life jackets will be available by APRN/BEPB as another contribution. The promotion of tourism in the locality is of paramount importance because the locality has a lot of tourist attractions that can generate income. This device will facilitate flotation on the lake, especially tourists who will come to contemplate the floating islands and the rich biodiversity of the lake. Transport taxes will be used to maintain the boat and to buy other objects used in basketry by the community. The infrastructures available under the project will certainly attract visitors to the region because they are the first in the locality.

A motorized tourist boat available on Lake Rweru. Shelters serving as shade houses have been set up on the project site very close to the lake and with a view of the lake make it possible to visualize the floating islands of Lake Rweru.

4. Promotion of fishing

40 modern nets were given to Batwa fishermen from the Garukirabatwa association in Busoni. As the Association did not have its own canoe, APRN/BEPB purchased a canoe for the community which is currently generating income. The APRN/BEPB also facilitated the membership of the Garukirabatwa Association in the Provincial Fishermen's Network and therefore the association currently has its fishing beach located below the PAPYRUS house in BUSONI. Fishermen from the Garukirabatwa Association are currently known by government fisheries and environmental managers and are invited to meetings organized in this sector. This community contributes effectively to the protection of the aquatic biodiversity of Lake Rweru.

The Batwa community of Busoni currently adheres to a fishing beach and has a fishing beach.

5. Impacts of the project

Thanks to this project, the living conditions of the direct beneficiaries of the project are constantly improving. This is reflected in:

- Batwa children who had dropped out of school due to lack of school fees, food or school uniforms have resumed their studies, and others who were on the way to drop out of school who are continuing their studies;
- Some beneficiaries who have purchased means of travel (bicycles) to easily access their workplace; - An increase in income that allows beneficiaries to easily access their workplace;
- An increase in income that allows beneficiaries to easily access their workplace; - A creation of employment (especially basketry, beekeeping and fishing);
- An increase in income that allows the beneficiaries directly from the project of to obtain clothes and improve their way of life and to invest in other activities such as music;
- Most beneficiaries reinvest the income from project activities in raising goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits and promoting music and small business, etc.);
- An improvement in the Batwa's knowledge in basketry, beekeeping, fishing and entrepreneurship;
- Social integration and substantial reduction in the discrimination of the Batwa by the rest of members of the Burundian population.