Lake Tanganyika Basin conservation initiative

March 7, 2025

In a recent move, the countries of the Lake Tanganyika Basin have initiated a five-year effort to analyze and combat transboundary threats to the lake’s biodiversity.
Overview
- Ancient lake located in East Africa.
- Bordering Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia.
- One of the world’s longest and deepest lakes (over 400 miles long).
- Forms part of the Western Rift Valley, with steep rising lands along most of its shores.
Geographical & Ecological Importance
- Divides Eastern and Western African floral regions.
- Oil palms, characteristic of Western African flora, grow along its shores.
- Major rivers feeding the lake: Malagarasi, Ruzizi, and Kalambo.
- Lukuga River serves as the lake’s outlet, flowing into the Lualaba River.
- Economic activities: Rice farming, subsistence agriculture, and fishing.
Recent Biodiversity Protection Initiative
- Led by UNEP, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
- Enhances transboundary cooperation among the four bordering nations.
Objectives:
- Promote sustainable fisheries.
- Protect biodiversity and restore degraded landscapes.
- Establish core conservation zones in three protected areas.
- Ensure sustainable natural resource use in protected areas and buffer zones.