Introduction

To ease urban traffic flow, roundabouts have been built throughout cities in Burkina Faso. Over the years, these spaces have been increasingly developed, not only by municipalities but also by other stakeholders. Grass, trees, and flowers have become the new key features of these areas. In the following lines, we explore how roundabouts in Burkina Faso have evolved into green spaces and the environmental and social benefits they bring.

Roundabouts as Green Spaces

Landmarks like the United Nations Roundabout or the Patte d’Oie Roundabout are widely recognized by Burkinabè for their remarkable design and aesthetics. But beyond their practical traffic role, roundabouts have become valuable green spaces that contribute to the fight against climate change. Recognizing their potential, the Burkinabè government launched the “One Roundabout, One Landscaped Area” initiative through the Ministry of Environment. As part of this initiative, several roundabouts, including Patte d’Oie, have been transformed with lush vegetation. These green spaces offer a wide array of benefits to communities.

Benefits of Well-Designed Roundabouts

Properly landscaped roundabouts offer calm and relaxing environments, ideal for intellectual or recreational activities. Once dressed in green, these spaces become hubs for sports, leisure, and even education. The National Heroes Roundabout stands out as a prime example. In recent years, green roundabouts have also become meeting points for citizen watch groups, serving as informal centers for civic engagement. This represents an innovative approach to fostering public safety and community vigilance in the fight against urban crime.

A Greener Urban Lifestyle

To strengthen Burkina Faso’s green cover, we can draw inspiration from environmental heroes like Yacouba Sawadogo, the man who fought desertification through decades of tree planting. We must encourage investment in the landscaping of roundabouts, which presents promising opportunities in sectors like bookstores, sports, and recreational services, incorporate tree planting and care into national education requirements—e.g., as criteria for obtaining diplomas such as the CEP or BEPC, and foster collaboration between local associations, uniting them around the shared goal of urban greening. Breathing cleaner air and enhancing the beauty of our cities depends on the number and quality of such green public spaces.

Conclusion

Burkina Faso stands as a model in roundabout landscaping, integrating both architectural aesthetics and greenery. These spaces should be used wisely, not only to beautify our cities but also to improve public well-being and help combat climate change.