00:00Bird Lake in northern Burundi, officially known as Lake Rwinda, is a paradise for more than 180 bird species, including the great egret, the reed comorant, and the African fish eagle.
00:15But their home is under threat, from climate change, habitat loss, and poachers like this illegal fisherman.
00:22These men also used to hunt here. They show how they made snares from branches and cords. They haven't forgotten their craft, but today, they are dedicated to protecting wildlife.
00:37Thanks to the training from the conservationists, I have changed the way I see birds. Today, I see them as part of myself.
00:47If I come across someone who hunts birds, I try to stop them, or I report them to the authorities.
00:59Joseph Bizibungul has one of Burundi's most important conservation groups. He may well be the country's chief bird protector.
01:06In training sessions, he reminds communities around Lake Rwinda why it's vital not to disturb the birds or their habitats.
01:14Anyone who plants crops in the protected area harms not only nature, but themselves. The message seems to be getting through.
01:26In recent years, we've faced disasters linked to climate change. It stopped raining here, while other communities still had rainfall. That led to severe famine.
01:36Our job is to educate people about protecting the environment. We show them concrete examples. Places where nature has been destroyed.
01:54That helps them understand that if the environment isn't protected, they too will suffer the consequences.
02:04People around the lake mainly grow maize and rice. To protect the birds, they've had to make tough sacrifices.
02:14A legally defined 50-meter-wide buffer zone was created around the lake. In this zone, there can be no farming or tree cutting.
02:23Families had to be relocated, a drastic measure as land is scarce. The cleared areas are being reforested to create new nesting sites and restore ecological balance.
02:36When we learned they wanted our land to plant trees, it was hard to accept. We grew sweet potatoes and bananas there, especially in the dry season, because the land is close to water.
02:53Imagine someone who owns less than a hectare of land.
03:04If you take away 50 meters, that can be very frustrating.
03:10That's why many people, sometimes out of desperation, return to the buffer zone to cut trees or farm despite the ban.
03:22Even though it's forbidden by the law.
03:25Farmers need alternatives. One option is ecotourism. Visitors are taken out on boats like this for bird watching. But so far, only about 500 come each year. More alternatives are needed for people to make a living.
03:43We need to increase the number of agroforestry trees.
03:50Provide people with livelihoods like fruit trees or small livestock.
03:57And also look for other financial partners to help strengthen and empower the communities.
04:10Some former poachers are now paid by diversity wardens. In the past, they hunted crowned cranes, one of the most endangered species at Lake Rewinda. The beds were sold at high prices to hotels and wealthy clients. Today, these same men earn extra income from protecting them. They report disturbances and guide tourists to the best viewing spots.
04:35We now also give training sessions in our communities. We try to raise awareness so people understand it's forbidden to hunt crowned cranes or do anything that might scare them or drive them away.
04:50I've come to understand that it is possible to live in harmony with birds. If you want to. They flee because people disturb them. But if you offer them peace, they become friendly towards us too.
05:03The island in the middle of Lake Rewinda is the heart of the protected area. Birds live here. But many bird species also nest or rest here, as long as they are given the peace they need.
05:17You know.
05:19Do that.
05:20Do that.
05:21Corred on its northwestщины.
05:23It's really better after them when they take their time around.
05:26I'm going to look out for those Libyanets, and have a strong niedomatic location instead of主 Titan.
05:30They do want to fly up or an optical Ning trees pick a embaixo in the front.
05:34That located in front of event that I could add to their 미국 trees.
Be the first to comment