The collaboration established between IRSCnb and INECN in 2002 within the framework of the Belgian partnership under the Convention on Biological Diversity in the field of information exchange on biological diversity resulted in the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

 

This partnership concerned the strengthening of INECN's capacities in terms of research and information exchange on biodiversity and the conservation of protected areas (period 2010-2012).

In this partnership, the IRSCnb wanted to promote its expertise, collections and archives in the field of biodiversity and protected areas. Indeed, this institution has highly experienced specialists in the field of taxonomy and biodiversity dynamics. The IRSCnb also has zoological collections and rich and varied documentation that directly concern the biodiversity of Burundi. In addition, the Belgian Partnership under the Convention on Biological Diversity is a privileged framework for the promotion of information exchange centers in accordance with article 13 of this same treaty. The framework for collaboration between IRSCnb and Belgian universities is also an important opportunity for capacity building for Burundian scientists.

INECN seeks to strengthen its capacities in terms of research, information exchange and the conservation of biodiversity in protected areas. Indeed, in its biodiversity monitoring activities, INECN needs researchers and field staff who are proficient in the scientific tools and methods that provide reliable data and information. It is this data that should be used in the development of protected area management plans. This institution also has the heavy task of educating and raising awareness among the population on the issue of biodiversity. However, this activity requires appropriate messages, disseminated with adequate tools, through communication channels adapted to each target group. In all this, the CHM-Burundian must effectively play a key role in disseminating information at the national level and around the world.

The partnership between IRSCnb and INECN has strengthened the usual context of collaboration between the two institutions in the field of research, awareness-raising and information exchange in the field of biological diversity.

The partnership had a double objective:
- To help INECN in strengthening its capacities in terms of research, information exchange and the conservation of biodiversity in protected areas;
-To enable the IRSCnb to promote its expertise, collections and archives concerning biodiversity in Burundi.

The partnership followed three main axes:
- Inventories, monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity, based in particular on the taxonomy and ecology of biodiversity in protected areas. The aim was to collect data using reliable methods in various protected area ecosystems. This data was used in taking protective measures, in raising public awareness and in developing protected area management plans;
- Raising the awareness of local communities, decision makers and other stakeholders on relevant biodiversity and protected areas issues. Awareness-raising was done with appropriate methods and tools based on well-documented information;
- Strengthening the biodiversity information exchange center. It was the dissemination of information on biodiversity in Burundi via the website: http://bi.chm-cbd.net set up as part of the partnership with Belgium under the Convention on Biological Diversity.