Burundian youth activist Jadot Nkurunziza, born in 1994 in Nyakabiga, Bujumbura, received international recognition for his environmental work at an award ceremony held in Scotland on November 9, 2021. Nkurunziza stated that his inspiration stemmed from his grandfather, who frequently emphasized the importance of trees. "Mon grand-père me disait toujours que c’est l’arbre qui nous donne des fruits, qui nous aide à mieux respirer. Il nous aide pour la cuisson. Il sert dans la construction des maisons et c’est grâce à l’arbre qu’on peut fabriquer des bancs et des pupitres," Nkurunziza recalled, noting the profound and multifaceted role trees played in his grandfather's worldview. This early exposure to the practical and ecological benefits of trees deeply influenced Nkurunziza's commitment to environmental stewardship from a young age. His initiatives include distributing tree nurseries to various communities. "Nous avons donné, dans plusieurs quartiers, des pépinières d’arbres fruitiers ou d’embellissement et nous sommes fiers de cela," he noted, showing the tangible impact of his organization's efforts in fostering green spaces. Nkurunziza also clarified his collaborative approach to environmental action: "Je ne peux pas dire aujourd’hui que j’ai autant de jeunes. Nous collaborons avec les jeunes des différentes associations et nous nous entraidons." This statement emphasizes his belief in collective action and the power of partnerships in achieving broader environmental goals.
Roots of Green Passion
Jadot Nkurunziza is the second of five children in his family, a background that may have instilled in him a sense of responsibility and community. His dedication to environmental protection is evident in his direct, proactive approach to addressing local issues. Nkurunziza frequently engages directly with individuals seen littering plastic on the street, requesting them to retrieve the waste and dispose of it correctly. This hands-on method not only addresses immediate pollution but also serves as a direct educational intervention, encouraging personal accountability. His background includes valuable experience within the scout movement, which often emphasizes environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and community service as core tenets. This foundational experience likely honed his leadership skills and deepened his commitment to ecological causes. Building on these early influences and experiences, Nkurunziza established an association named 'Ça nous concerne tous', which translates to 'It concerns us all'. The name itself reflects his philosophy that environmental responsibility is a shared burden and a collective benefit for society.
Community Mobilization in Action
The seeds of Nkurunziza's passion were sown early, deeply rooted in his family history. Jadot Nkurunziza's grandfather maintained eucalyptus nurseries in Banga, an area formerly part of the Bukeye commune. This early exposure to plant cultivation and the practical management of natural resources profoundly influenced Nkurunziza's later work and his understanding of sustainable practices. The legacy of his grandfather's green thumb provided a tangible example of how individuals can contribute to their environment.
Nkurunziza's efforts extend beyond personal initiatives to significant collaborations with local authorities. Nkurunziza collaborated with Alexis Havyarimana, the former administrator of Ntahangwa commune, to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Boulevard Mwezi Gisabo. This joint effort involved planting flowers along the boulevard, transforming public spaces into more vibrant and welcoming areas for residents and visitors alike. Their collaboration also extended to key environmental protection initiatives along the Ntahangwa river, which included planting trees to stabilize its banks, thereby preventing erosion and protecting the local ecosystem. These partnerships demonstrate Nkurunziza's ability to work across different sectors to achieve impactful environmental outcomes.
The association 'Ça nous concerne tous' engages in a wide variety of environmental activities, showcasing a full approach to ecological restoration and preservation. These activities include planting fruit trees, which provide food security and enhance biodiversity, cultivating flowers to beautify urban landscapes, and maintaining public spaces to ensure they remain clean and accessible for community use. The organization undertakes critical efforts to remove invasive water hyacinths from local waterways, a significant ecological challenge that can choke aquatic life and impede water flow. Nkurunziza actively participates in activities aimed at promoting cleanliness and planting flowers on Boulevard Mwezi Gisabo, located within the Ntahangwa commune, personally contributing to the beautification and ecological health of his community. His approach involves working with other associations and youth groups, fostering a collaborative network for environmental action that maximizes reach and impact.
The economic impact of these initiatives is also evident, demonstrating that environmental protection can go hand-in-hand with economic empowerment. Annociate, a mother of one, earns approximately 300,000 FBu daily through her dedicated work in a nursery associated with these environmental efforts. This income is key for Annociate, providing a stable livelihood that enables her to pay her child's school fees, ensuring access to education, and cover other essential household expenses, significantly improving her family's quality of life. This example notes how Nkurunziza's projects create sustainable opportunities for community members while advancing environmental goals.
Broader Impact and Vision
Jadot Nkurunziza received an award for 'best young volunteer of the year' at COP26, the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference, recognizing his exceptional efforts on an international stage. This prestigious accolade brought global attention to his grassroots initiatives and the vital work being done in Burundi. Nkurunziza's ambition extends far beyond local projects; he aims to foster a shared responsibility for environmental protection throughout Burundi, envisioning a nation where every citizen understands and acts upon their role in safeguarding the environment. To further develop his expertise and broaden his understanding of environmental challenges and solutions, he pursued specialized training in environmental protection in Uganda, equipping him with advanced knowledge and practical skills.
Nkurunziza dedicates significant time to hands-on conservation work. He spends time at a nursery located by the Ntahangwa river, engaging directly with plant cultivation and conservation, overseeing the growth of seedlings that will later be planted in various initiatives. This direct involvement ensures the quality and success of his planting projects. Beyond planting, he also mobilizes young people to remove invasive water hyacinths from Lake Tanganyika, addressing a significant ecological challenge that threatens the lake's biodiversity and economic importance. His leadership in these efforts provides young Burundians with opportunities to engage meaningfully in environmental conservation, fostering a new generation of eco-conscious citizens.
Nkurunziza has often cited the enduring influence of his grandfather as a primary source of his inspiration. "Mon grand-père me disait toujours que c’est l’arbre qui nous donne des fruits, qui nous aide à mieux respirer. Il nous aide pour la cuisson. Il sert dans la construction des maisons et c’est grâce à l’arbre qu’on peut fabriquer des bancs et des pupitres," Nkurunziza stated, reflecting on his early inspiration and the full lessons he learned about the utility and necessity of trees. His initiatives include distributing tree nurseries to various communities, ensuring that the benefits of tree planting are spread widely. "Nous avons donné, dans plusieurs quartiers, des pépinières d’arbres fruitiers ou d’embellissement et nous sommes fiers de cela," he noted, expressing pride in the tangible impact of his organization's work in greening urban and rural areas. Nkurunziza also emphasized his collaborative approach, stating, "Je ne peux pas dire aujourd’hui que j’ai autant de jeunes. Nous collaborons avec les jeunes des différentes associations et nous nous entraidons," a testament to his belief in the power of collective action and partnership in driving environmental change. His vision and dedication continue to inspire many, making him a leading voice in Burundi's environmental movement.