In the framework of the project "Green Future: Sustainable Climate Protection Project in Burundi", the local project partner and AKI e.V. have jointly established two "Peace and Environment Clubs" in the two provinces of Gitega and Makamba.

The primary aim of these clubs is to foster community peace and contribute to efforts combating climate change. The club contains 24 persons in the Gitega province and 30 persons in the Makamba province.

On 25 April 2024, the project team together with AKI e.V. organized a training for the 24 members from the province of Gitega at the Agri-Social Education and Training Center. During the training, the participants discussed the following topics:

• Effects of climate change on the people’s lives and environment
• Designing of nurseries for different types of trees across various zones of Gitega
• Strategies to engage the community in planting trees and taking responsibility
• Principles of permaculture with focus on climate change and its effects.

Aligned with these themes, regional problems including deforestation, limited understanding of climate resilience, insufficient knowledge of sustainable agriculture practices, soil erosion, diminished productivity, conflicts over land and water resources, absence of environmental regulations from governmental authorities, and the need for effective follow-up measures were identified.

The members of the “peace and environment club” also exchanged views on the region-specific differences of climate impacts.

The outcomes of the training session encompassed to disseminate the knowledge gained to local communities. Additionally, the team allocated specific responsibilities to streamline communication and foster collaboration within the group.

The project „Green future: sustainable climate protection project in Burundi“ is funded by the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection - Baden-Württemberg (MLR) since January 2024.