This study, entitled “Prospective study of the evolution of the environment of Lake Rweru in relation to demography and climate change and identification of best practices for the preservation of its biodiversity” was initiated in order to improve knowledge about the future of the lake in the face of these two factors and to take appropriate measures for its preservation.

This work is part of the project “Restoring the eco-climatic conditions of Lake Rweru for the well-being of the population” initiated by the Association Protection of Natural Resources for the Welfare of the Population in Burundi (APRN/BEPB) under the financing of the FFEM/IUCN/ Programme of Small Initiatives.

This study followed several methodological steps. Initially, it was necessary to survey the lake and its shoreline environment to identify their hydrological, pedological, biological and ecological characteristics. Analyses also focused on the state of agrosystems in riparian environments. Secondly, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local communities in order to inquire about the methods of exploitation of natural resources and their socio-economic level. Thirdly, a rich and varied documentation was explored in order to understand the hydrological, climatological and demographic context of the Bugesera region in general and of the locality of Lake Rweru in particular.