In its Fourth Report produced in March 2009, Burundi highlighted the need to formulate a strategy for communication, education and public awareness in the field of biodiversity. This is one of the important reasons that prompted Burundi to undertake the revision of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (SNPAB). This biodiversity policy document validated in February 2013 highlights the need for all stakeholders, including decision-makers, to be aware of the importance of biodiversity and to elicit their firm commitment and participation in action to combat the degradation of biodiversity.

Thus, the primary objective of the SNPAB is as follows: By 2017, all stakeholders, including decision makers, local and indigenous communities, are aware of the value of biological diversity, the risks it faces, and imbued with the measures and practices they must take to conserve and use it sustainably.

In this field of communication, education and awareness-raising on biodiversity, Ahmed Djoghal, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (2005-2012), was very specific: “It is said that an educated population cannot be enslaved. This applies to the links established between man and nature. In fact, all stakeholders are beginning to understand the effects of their actions and to accept their responsibility to future generations for the preservation of biological diversity. Communication and education are essential in this regard. They help people understand what biological diversity is and the place it occupies in our lives. They are therefore valuable tools for achieving development that is truly sustainable. Informed, motivated and determined people can help us achieve the goals of the Convention, including through the implementation of national strategies and action plans. To communicate effectively, you must first have a clear idea of the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors that you want to change. The message, its messenger, its tone or even its choice of media; everything counts. Traditionally, authorities and non-governmental organizations ask the public and other stakeholders to change their lifestyles. The information transmitted is often imprecise, negative, didactic, abstract or even full of doom and gloom. This way of communicating about biodiversity risks demotivating people instead of encouraging them to take action. Experience shows that communication must be strategic, positive and adapted to cultural circumstances and contexts.”

Thus, this CESP strategy in Burundi must be used to improve public knowledge on biodiversity issues and encourage actions that will preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services. The present CESPB strategy will therefore support the implementation of the National Strategy and Action Plan on Biodiversity of Burundi.

The CESPB strategy is based on the following three main points:

• Overview of biodiversity in Burundi;
• Overview of the CESPB in Burundi;
• Elements of strategy in CESPB.