(Ecofin Agency) - Last May 23, the Burundian Council of Ministers validated the establishment of a national steering committee for a new national reforestation project called "Ewe Burundi urambaye" ("Burundi well dressed").

According to information relayed by Xinhua.net, authorities are concerned about the progress of deforestation related to an “excessive population growth, abusive land clearing and inappropriate land management practices”.

“The natural forests that used to cover 30 to 50% of Burundian territory in the past have decreased to only about 6.6% now. Aware of the negative impacts of this deforestation, senior Burundian officials have initiated the national reforestation project called ''Ewe Burundi urambaye'' with the goal to restore forest cover,” said the Secretary General and government spokesman, Philippe Nzobonariba (photo) at the end of the ministers’ council.

Furthermore, he specified that this project, set to last seven years, will be conducted along with other reforestation projects mainly by the national unity of defense and security forces.