Wilfrid, a member of the Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (FC-SSA) Project, recently participated in the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) held in Riyad, Saudi Arabia. During a side event organized by CGIAR, Wilfrid delivered a compelling presentation on “What are some practical ways to ensure marginalized communities have a genuine voice in the planning and decision-making of restoration projects?” Drawing on insights from the FC-SSA project, Wilfrid highlighted how the initiative successfully combines biodiversity conservation with social empowerment. The project promotes community-driven approaches, including the establishment of local nurseries and the active involvement of women and marginalized groups in training and decision-making processes. By addressing gender inequality and poverty, the project serves as a model for inclusive and sustainable restoration efforts. The presentation resonated deeply with participants, who were fascinated by the tangible outcomes of the FC-SSA project. Notably, the project has strengthened gender equity while fostering biodiversity conservation a win-win for both people and the planet.
