Why in News? 

Countries bordering Lake Tanganyika Basin have initiated a five-year project to assess and mitigate transboundary threats to its biodiversity. 

About  

• Location: East Africa 
• Bordering Countries: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, and Zambia 
• Geographical Features 
  • One of the world’s oldest and deepest lakes, stretching over 400 miles in length. 
  • Lies at the southern end of the Western Rift Valley, with steep land formations along its shores. 
  • Forms a biogeographical divide between the flora of eastern and western Africa, with oil palms growing along its shores. 
• Major Rivers Flowing In: Malagarasi, Ruzizi, and Kalambo. 
• Outlet: Lukuga River, which drains into the Lualaba River. 
• Economic Activities: Rice cultivation, subsistence farming, and fishing. 

 New Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation 

• Led by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 
• Funded by: Global Environment Facility (GEF) 
• Objectives 
  • Strengthen transboundary cooperation among the four bordering nations. 
  • Promote sustainable fisheries, biodiversity conservation, and restoration of degraded landscapes in the basin. 
  • Protect core conservation zones within three identified protected areas. 
  • Encourage sustainable natural resource management in protected areas and their buffer zones.