RUBICOM closure workshop and symposium

The two-day workshop followed a participatory approach, bringing together a wide range of stakeholders: local village associations, civil society organisations, scientists, government representatives, OBPE staff, military personnel, and more. The objective was to create a space for dialogue and reflection on the coexistence between local communities and hippos, focusing on both the positive aspects and the challenges posed by these animals.

Participants worked together to identify potential solutions to the conflicts. In a second phase, the feasibility of each proposed solution was jointly assessed in terms of budget, available resources, and expected impact. When differing opinions emerged among stakeholders regarding a solution, especially across target groups, participants were invited to explain why their perceptions varied.

This participatory method proved highly effective in fostering constructive discussion and laying the groundwork for a CEBioS policy brief on human-wildlife conflict in Rusizi National Park.

CEBioS extends its sincere thanks to all the participants for their enthusiastic engagement in both French and Kirundi, and to OBPE for their essential role in coordinating the workshop and providing translation support.

The workshop was followed by a one-day symposium at the University of Burundi, where various stakeholders presented their work on human-wildlife conflict and discussed strategies for managing the Rusizi River and National Park.