In the framework of the project "Green Future: Sustainable Climate Protection Project in Burundi", the local project partner and AKI e.V.  jointly organized a successful second training with the "Peace and Environment Club" in the Gitega province.

The training took place on May 30, 2024, at the AKI Training Centre in Gitega. Thirty participants affiliated with the "Peace and Environment Club" from the Gitega province attended the training. The primary focus of the training was on climate change, specifically its impact on Burundi and potential solutions to address these effects.

Pierre Maniragarura, AKI’s site manager, opened the training and emphasized that the primary goal of the "Peace and Environment Club" is to promote peace in the communities and contribute to combating climate change. The club comprises 24 persons in the Gitega province and 30 persons in the Makamba province.

In an open discussion session, the participants identified the general and specific regional impacts of climate change. Four experts provided valuable insights and knowledge:

• Prof. Diomède Ndayisaba from the University of Burundi addressed the topic of sustainable agriculture, emphasizing the importance of water conservation and the integration of crops on farms.
• David Ninteretse; project coordinator for the project Roots&Shoots Burundi and consultant for "Green Future" in Burundi, discussed the importance of bamboo trees, biodegradable bags, and the management of nurseries for climate protection.
• Marie-José Niyinyitoreye; entrepreneur presented the benefits of biogas to avoid deforestation for firewood and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
• Pierre Maniragarura; AKI project manager, provided insights into effective awareness-raising strategies to raise awareness among the general population in Burundi about climate change, its impacts, and measures to combat it.

The outcomes of the training included:

• Raising awareness among the attending members about the need for intensified actions against climate change.
• The club aims to better connect, exchange ideas, and collaborate among its members.
• Planning to disseminate not only awareness of climate protection measures but also necessary knowledge and technologies across various regions of Burundi through its networks.
• Intending to take the lead in monitoring nurseries and plantations.
• Advocating for the protection and promotion of indigenous trees.

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.