Decentralisation Policy: Advantages and Risks for the Conservation of Protected Areas in Burkina Faso

Most African countries have had experience with centralised governments for a long time. Centralised administration has shown its limitations in delivering quality public services at the local level. Due to the unsatisfactory results of the policy of centralisation and the desire to adapt to international development strategies, some developing countries began to introduce a policy of decentralisation. According to Law N°2004-055/AN of 21 December 2004 on the General Code of Territorial Authorities (CGCT), Burkina Faso has made the protection of forest resources a priority in its natural resource conservation policies. This study aims to analyse the level of implementation and the consequences of decentralisation politics in the field of protected areas in Burkina Faso. The study field is the PONASI ecological complex that includes the National Park of Pô, the Nazinga game ranch, the Sissili classified forest and 11 village areas of hunting interest. Interviews and field surveys reveal that there are a number of key factors that discourage local residents from getting involved in the fight against the degradation of the complex's resources. These include the lack of transparency and equity in the distribution of revenues from the operation of the complex and its buffer zones. The involvement of local and regional authorities in the management of natural resources can pose a threat to the conservation of these resources. In fact, some local elected representatives may be reluctant to invest and not make a return on these investments in the short term during their electoral term. Thus, it would be important to set up an independent supervisory body to ensure equitable redistribution and transparency in the management of the protected area. Local communities, through their representatives, must participate effectively in decision-making bodies relating to the protected area.