Over the last few decades, Burundi's economic growth has been based on the constant exploitation of its natural capital, with the consequence of a considerable deterioration of its natural environment. The main factor in this deterioration has been the rapid growth of the population. Large areas of forest have thus been cleared in favor of crops intended to feed the growing population and poor agricultural practices have affected soil fertility and integrity. Water resources have also deteriorated, affecting various sectors and in
particular public health. In addition, the use of biofuels continues to expose the population to severe indoor air pollution. Climate change worsens these situations, and in particular increases the frequency and severity of natural disasters. In the absence of appropriate institutional mechanisms, the environment has not been taken into account in the dynamics of economic expansion. Moreover, the degradation of the environment and, as a result, the scarcity of resources have generated conflicts which, combined with the fragility of the country, have in turn aggravated the degradation of the environment.

The World Bank has undertaken with the Government of Burundi a country environmental analysis (CEA), the first step in assisting the transition to inclusive and sustainable development in Burundi. First, the AEP studies the context and the basic conditions of the environmental problems that will have to be considered. It then describes the main forms of environmental degradation observed in Burundi and the measures in monetary terms to highlight the economic cost of environmental deterioration. The AEP then establishes a geographical intersection between the concentration of poverty and the degradation of the environment. Climate change has further exacerbated the situation, leaving the poor population even more vulnerable to shocks.

The report finally proposes a set of recommendations adapted to the diagnosis presented in its first part. It highlights the importance of a holistic approach at the landscape level in order to better address environmental issues and to strengthen the resilience of the environment and communities. Highlighting the simplest practical options, the report outlines programs to combat deforestation, land degradation, indoor air pollution, water pollution, and natural disaster management in the face of global climate change.

These proposed programs can be implemented through a combination of policy initiatives led by public authorities and a bottom-up, community-based framework. These recommendations also serve to prepare the country to implement its national contribution (INDC) in the area of climate change mitigation and adaptation.