"We will be dooming ourselves and the future of our children if we do not come out with tangible measures to combat climate change," said Burundi's Water, Environment and Sustainable Minister, Jean Marie Nibirantije.

The impact of climate change was unavoidable, the Minister told COP17.

Burundi, in central Africa, was a predominantly agricultural country with a tropical, high-rain, highland climate.

Agriculture generated 55 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Changes in the weather were causing havoc.

Efforts were being made to cope in the energy, agriculture and waste management sectors.

Burundi aimed to achieve its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) target by 2015.

Nibirantije said Burundi remained confident Durban would yield successful results.

"We cannot afford to step back," he said.

It was both crucual and urgent to fund and implement REDD+ and the green economy.