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Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa:
sustainability and livelihood implications
MYCOBLITZ Summer Course 2024 in Benin
Funded by VLIR, the « MYCOBLITZ » summer course took place from July 3 to 20, 2024, in the forests of Wari Maro and the Upper Ouémé in Benin. Organized by the University of Parakou and Ghent University, this training brought together 12 young researchers from seven tropical African countries (Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Malawi, Togo, and Guinea). The aim is to train these researchers in the use of modern molecular tools, such as nanopore sequencing technologies. With innovative equipment like the Bento Lab and MinIon, they receive hands-on field training. This MyTIPS initiative contributes to strengthening the capacities of young mycologists in sub-Saharan Africa
FC-SSA Project Introduced to Ten New Villages
As part of the FC-SSA project’s beneficiary expansion, a dedicated team presented the project last week to the authorities and local communities of ten newly villages (Koka, Koré, Koubirou, Makrou-Wirou, Ablodé, Kouandaka, Koupeiko, Fouctoum, Yakabissi, Yaoukossi). During this meeting, a detailed overview of the project’s objectives, activities, and expectations was provided. The local communities, turning out in large numbers, warmly embraced the initiative and pledged to collaborate closely with the project team to ensure the preservation of their forests. This enthusiastic response underscores the strong commitment of the communities to support the project’s goals.
Restoration of Kpeoussobé Sacred Forest
This Friday, July 12, 2024, a team from the FC-SSA project undertook, in close collaboration with the project beneficiaries, the reforestation of the sacred forest of Kpeoussobé in Sinaissiré. In total, 513 seedlings of Isoberlinia and Afzelia africana were transplanted. This initiative is part of the objectives of the FC-SSA Project, which aims to restore the project’s beneficiary forests with 3,000 ectomycorrhizal species each year. The population, very committed, mobilized in large numbers to ensure the success of this activity.