Nature in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso lies in the transition between the Sahel and Sudan zones. Rainfall and water availability vary greatly by region and season. Nature includes shrub, grass and wooded savannas, open forests, gallery forests, seasonal rivers and pools, lakes, floodplains, and artificial water reservoirs (boulis). Wetlands provide habitats, groundwater recharge, fishing, grazing, water, food and plant-based natural products. A country profile under the Convention on Biological Diversity lists 128 mammal species, 516 bird species, 60 reptile and amphibian species, 121 fish species, 1,515 insect species and 1,951 plant species. These figures are identified as older or draft figures and do not replace a current survey at a specific location. Elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hippopotamuses and crocodiles are among the particularly well-known or threatened species; their actual presence always depends on the area and the date of the survey. Pressures include deforestation, habitat fragmentation, the loss or reduction of wetlands, soil degradation, drought, overgrazing, agricultural expansion, logging, charcoal production, poaching, illegal fishing, unauthorized grazing, mining and unsustainable use. The intensity of these pressures varies by region and location. Formal protection categories include national parks, fauna reserves, biosphere reserves, classified forests, wildlife ranches and hunting zones. The current Ramsar profile lists 25 wetlands covering approximately 1,940,481 hectares in total. A Ramsar, UNESCO or biosphere designation does not automatically establish the same access and use rules. The transboundary W-Arly-Pendjari World Heritage site covers approximately 1,714,831 hectares in Burkina Faso, Benin and Niger and connects nine protected areas. In Burkina Faso, the Office National des Aires Protégées (National Office of Protected Areas) manages the Arly area, while the Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts manages the W area. For nature and protected areas, the Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement (Ministry of the Environment, Water and Sanitation), the Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts (General Directorate of Water and Forests), the Office National des Aires Protégées, regional forestry offices, municipalities, local communities, concessionaires and nongovernmental organizations work together. Their responsibilities depend on the protection category, land status and location. There is no documented nationwide information and access point for all natural areas. Access is not generally free or unrestricted. Before a visit, the protection category, permitted zone, season, current security situation, responsible office, possible guide, permit and fee must be checked at the relevant location. Research, filming, collecting specimens and certain uses require prior authorization. For transporting wildlife or trophies, the official portal gives, as an example, a certificate costing 2,000 West African CFA francs (FCFA); other fees and processing times vary. Rain-fed agriculture, livestock keeping and transhumance, fishing, water extraction, firewood and charcoal use, timber extraction and non-timber forest products shape everyday life and the economy. A country profile states that around 85 percent of the population is engaged in agriculture and livestock farming, but also identifies this figure as dependent on the source and period. Fishing primarily supports livelihoods and food security, while recreational use plays a smaller role. Restoration and adapted use include reforestation with local species, agroforestry, soil conservation, planting pits (zai), stone bunds, half-moons, wetland management, and early or controlled burning where permitted at the location. The cost and impact of these measures depend on the project and local conditions. Natural hazards include drought, heat, irregular or very heavy rainfall, flash floods, erosion, dust and wind storms, bush and savanna fires, and water shortages. Environmental education is provided through ministries, schools, protected-area programs and nongovernmental organizations. Non-formal programs may teach agroforestry, irrigation, restoration, fire, grazing or wetland management. Providers, language, access, dates and possible certificates vary by project; no uniform nationwide qualification pathway for nature education is documented. Human-wildlife conflicts particularly involve elephants, hippopotamuses and predators near fields, livestock and water points. Prevention, reporting and possible compensation depend on the location and the relevant program; no uniform nationwide right to compensation is documented.