Burundi's biodiversity and its habitat are very threatened by the fact that the communities bordering protected areas are numerous and poor, from which they exert a strong pressure on these natural ecosystems.

As Kibira National Park is therefore no exception, it is important that mitigation measures be taken in order to safeguard the few species, both animal and plant, that remain in this park.

Thus, among the priorities of the project is the improvement of the living conditions of residents living near this park in order to preserve its biodiversity. To achieve this, in common agreement with the neighbouring communities, the raising of small livestock was chosen which, in the short term, can generate income by improving both animal and agricultural production.

The type of farming to be carried out varies from one region to another; in the municipalities of Bukeye, Matongo and Kabarore, residents preferred to raise pigs.

To do this, 150 pigs were donated to 150 people in Bukeye, 200 pigs in Matongo and 150 in Kabarore commune; the beneficiaries were men and women who agreed to work in partnership with park managers for the conservation of biodiversity and its habitat.

 

A large crowd composed of men and women identified in advance by the park managers on a daily basis, in collaboration with the conservation support committee set up as part of the project, came to catch pigs. As there is no common place for all the coastal hills, the distribution took place in 2 places: Bukeye soccer field and the center of Nyamirambo.