Bonn, 17 March 2025 - As the world rallies behind the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, collaborative efforts are underway to safeguard and rehabilitate some of Africa’s most critical transboundary wetland habitats.

Recognizing the urgency of conservation action, the governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia have launched a groundbreaking five-year transboundary initiative aimed at halting biodiversity loss and land degradation in and around the Lake Tanganyika Basin. The project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and implemented by UNOPS, will focus on the restoration of 1,700 hectares of degraded wetlands, forests, riverbanks, grasslands, and lake edges in key protected areas.

The protected areas covered by the project are the Itombwe Natural Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the Rusizi National Park in Burundi and the Malagarasi-Muyovozi wetlands in Tanzania, with the latter two designated as Ramsar Sites for their international importance.

The Rusizi National Park is considered by many as an ornithological paradise, providing nesting and stopover grounds for more than 120 breeding and 90 migratory bird species, while the Malagarasi-Muyovozi Wetland is home to globally threatened species, including species such as the Shoebill and Wattled Crane, both classified as Vulnerable by IUCN and also covered under AEWA.

“These wetlands serve as vital habitats for numerous AEWA waterbird species, including species such as the African Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Pelican and Lesser Flamingo, to name just a few, “ says Trouvilliez. "On a personal note - I would like to add that I was once fortunate to spend 14 months birdwatching in the Ruzizi Delta and I was always delighted when I saw migratory waders. Since then, this precious wetland has been designated a National Park, which is a testament to the government's commitment to conservation. However, as we propagate at AEWA, a protected wetland should also be properly managed. This UNEP project will help increase the value of the site, just as it will do so for the other sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania," says Trouvilliez.

By promoting habitat restoration, promoting sustainable land use, and enhancing regional cooperation, the GEF-funded UNEP project seeks to reverse biodiversity decline in this globally significant freshwater ecosystem.

“As wetlands continue to disappear at an alarming rate worldwide, projects like these are essential for ensuring that migratory waterbirds and the wetlands they depend on will continue to thrive for generations to come,” says Trouvilliez. “I would therefore like to strongly encourage our National Focal Points and all relevant stakeholders in and outside Burundi and Tanzania to actively engage in this project and help ensure its success as a model for others to follow in the African-Eurasian Flyway.  At the same time, I would also like to encourage the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia to consider joining AEWA as a Party and to help improve the long-term conservation of waterbirds in this vast region,” concludes Trouvilliez. 

This year marks a significant milestone for AEWA, as the Agreement celebrates its 30th Anniversary. It is also a pivotal moment for international waterbird conservation, with the 9th Session of the Meeting of the Parties (MOP9) to AEWA set to take place from 10 to 14 November 2025 in Gaborone, Botswana. This major gathering will bring together governments, conservation organizations, and experts to assess progress and further strengthen the implementation of the treaty and chart the future of waterbird conservation across the African-Eurasian Flyway.

Learn more about the UNEP - GEF Lake Tanganyika Basin Biodiversity Project here.

AEWA SINGLE SPECIES ACTION PLANS

International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Shoebill

The Shoebill, which owes its name to its huge beak, is threatened by illegal wildlife trade, loss of habitat from agriculture and disturbance by livestock and people. To address the threats and halt the decline of the species, an International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Shoebill was adopted by AEWA Parties in 2015 that aims to minimize illegal trade and reduce disturbance and habitat loss for the species.

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