Welcome

“Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa: sustainability and livelihood implications” is funded by the UK Darwin Initiative as one of its Main Projects (Grant 20-030). It is led by the University of Parakou (Benin), with collaboration from CABI (UK), the Matobo Conservation Society (Zimbabwe) and the Permaculture Association (UK), and has a duration of 34 months.

Key themes include:

• value of wild edible fungi as a sustainable food source;
• threats to Sub-Saharan fungi;
• links between poverty, gender inequality and fungal diversity loss;
• recommended conservation actions to protect fungi and restore lost habitats.

The project will furthermore support development of fungal conservation policies in Sub-Saharan countries, and strengthen the University of Parakou as a centre of mycological excellence.