Living with Lake Kivu: Hatcheries and the Fight against Pollution for Biodiversity

The initiative led by Action Sociale Kesho Congo aims to contribute to the ecological preservation of Lake Kivu, in the province of South Kivu (DRC), by fighting against plastic pollution and strengthening the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems on which riparian populations directly depend.

Faced with the increase in plastic waste, the degradation of aquatic habitats and the associated health and socio-economic risks, the project combines community sanitation, environmental awareness and scientific observation of aquatic environments.

The initiative relies on local hydrobiological expertise to link water quality, aquatic biodiversity and fish breeding conditions, which are essential for food security and livelihoods of Lake Kivu fishermen.

By actively involving local communities, fishermen and local authorities, the project aims to strengthen the link between people and their lake, improve sustainable waste management and lay the foundations for more resilient fishing.

This initiative aims to be a reproducible model of integrated lake–community–biodiversity management, applicable to other lakes and watersheds in Africa.