ABSTRACT
One hundred and twenty (120) interviews were conducted with political and administrative decision-makers, occupants of land on the Lake Kivu coast and fishermen working in the 48 fishing bays on the island of Idjwi, in order to gain an understanding of the degradation of the coastal forests. The causes of degradation, its effects and related community perceptions were studied with a view to introduce resilient policies. The study revealed the need to restore these degraded forests and ecosystems in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the island.