As climate change impacts intensify across Burundi, society must become better prepared — but everyone must be included. By definition, Climate change refers to the periodic modification of Earth’s climate due to changes in the atmosphere and interactions with geologic, chemical, biological, and geographic factors within the Earth system. It involves variations in climate over different timescales, from daily weather changes to shifts over millions of years. Regarding the causes, Climate change is primarily caused by human activities that increase greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to the greenhouse effect. Burning fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a major contributor to global warming. Methane (CH4), another potent greenhouse gas, is released from agriculture, fossil fuel production, and waste management, trapping significantly more heat than CO2 over short periods. Nitrous oxide (N2O), mainly from agricultural practices, also contributes to warming. Additionally, deforestation reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2, further exacerbating climate change. These human-induced changes disrupt the Earth’s radiative balance, altering climate patterns globally.
The Kyoto Protocol under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Adaptation Fund (AF) and Green Climate Fund (GCF) accelerate transformative climate action in developing countries through a country-owned partnership approach and use of flexible financing solutions and climate investment expertise for their carbon-sequestration activities in the area of land use, land-use change, and forestry as part of their obligations under the protocols. Such activities could include afforestation (conversion of nonforested land to forest), reforestation (conversion of previously forested land to forest), improved forestry or agricultural practices, and revegetation.
Reservoirs that retain carbon and keep it from entering Earth’s atmosphere are known as carbon sinks. For example, deforestation is a source of carbon emission into the atmosphere, but forest regrowth is a form of carbon sequestration, with the forests themselves serving as carbon sinks. In addition, other best way to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the air is to use energy more efficiently and to reduce the combustion of fossil fuels by using alternative energy sources (e.g. nuclear, wind, tidal and solar power).
In view of the above situation, EdSF Burundi has initiated the programme called “The Restoration Initiative (TRI)” in the zones of, Mugina, Mabayi in Mugina District and Mugwi in Cibitoke District, the province of Bujumbura since 2020. In nutshell, TRI project rehabilitate 2,500 ha of degraded forests; protected 1,400 hectares of watersheds, 50km of ravines and rivers; created a 1,000 hectare buffer zone of Lake Tanganyika, Rusizi river and relevant affluent rivers; distributed 10,000 improved stoves and aimed to create over 1,500 green jobs.
Participatory meeting held with stakeholders in January 28, 2025 came out with a plan for the upcoming 5 years of TRI programming. Along this period, EdSF Burundi envisions to extend the project in other parts of country, mainly in the provinces of Burunga, Buhumuza and Butanyerera. In close collaboration with interested partners, Eden Stream Foundation through a community-led approach, aims to accelerate REDD+ and ARR (afforestation, reforestation and revegetation) activities on at least 154,000 hectares to demonstrate how philanthropic support can be multiplied by the generation of carbon credits over a 40-year period. This commitment will enable communities to generate verified carbon credits while managing their natural resources. The project will includes the following activities are:
- Collaborate with other recognized institutions to provide training and capacity-building programs to government stakeholders;
- Participatory design, develop, and implement the Carbon Registry using internationally recognized standards;
- Identify and develop carbon credit projects in Burundi;
- Provide technical advice and assistance in drafting regulatory texts;
- Maintain accurate records and periodic progress reporting;
- Promote crosscutting activities including:
- Build community resilience to climate impacts;
- Reduce vulnerability to floods, droughts, and erosion;
- Create core benefits including biodiversity protection and water security;
- Support transitions to climate-smart agriculture and livelihoods.
Currently new collaboration is open and will follow a three-phase geographical approach: Phase 1 (20,000 ha) in September 2026, Phase 2 (84,000 ha) in March 2027, and Phase 3 (50,000 ha) in September 2028. Regular carbon verification will occur every three years, supported by forest inventory plots, biodiversity monitoring, and socioeconomic impact assessments.
