Threats to the conservation of natural resources in Burkina Faso

This work, based on interviews with local communities, conservationists, monitoring officers and external experts - conducted using an interview guide and Section 3 of the 'Enhancing our heritage' tool for assessing the effectiveness of protected area management - has enabled us to identify numerous threats to conservation. Indeed, poaching, illegal grazing, the expansion of agricultural land, tree mutilation, water pollution, late-season fires and health risks were identified as the main threats to the conservation of natural resources. In the W region, early drying up of waterholes has been noted. Management of infringements is handled amicably, whilst prevention is carried out through patrols, early warning systems and awareness-raising activities. These threats are significant and, although the management approach has its strengths, it is ineffective in eliminating certain threats.