7020-02. EIA Strengthening MEEATU- II - Burundi

In September 2018, after an absence of three years, the NCEA visited Bujumbura to catch up on Environmental Assessment practice with its old partners, such as the OBPE, and discuss the situation with a range of other stakeholders. During a follow-up visit in February 2000, the NCEA facilitated a training on ESIA for new OBPE staff and an awareness raising seminar on SEA. Since then, travel ceased due to the Covid pandemic and the NCEA awaits a renewal of the cooperation.

Advisory reports and other documents

Significant details

From 2011-2015, the NCEA worked with the Ministry of Environment MEEATU on strengthening its ESIA system and capacity. During 2014-2015, joint work with especially the newly created Burundi Environment Protection Office OBPE focused on the revision of the regulatory framework for ESIA, aiming to include requirements for scoping and participation, among others. Since May 2015, work had to be put on hold due to the political situation in the country.

Since 2015, years of relative political instability followed by the Covid pandemic have led to a dwindling investment climate, and therefore, of EA practice. Nevertheless, the OBPE is ready to revive the cooperation and work on a revision of the legal framework and strengthen capacity. The Ministry of Planning expressed to be keen to investigate whether and how SEA could help strengthening its planning practice. The NCEA awaits their follow-up.

Regular contact is maintained and MEEATU/OBPE indicates the wish to re-start working together with the NCEA as soon as the safety situation and the capacity at the Ministry allows for the organisation of activities with the NCEA.

Parties involved

Members of the working group

Technical secretary: Gwen van Boven

Further details

Country: Burundi

Last modified: 21 Dec 2023