Nom de l’auteur/autrice :Wilfrid ADJIMOTI

On the morning of November 10, 2025, a delegation from the 4th Congress of the International Society for Fungal Conservation (ISFC4) visited MyTIPS at the University of Parakou, Benin. The visit provided an opportunity for delegates to explore the laboratory’s innovative research in fungal conservation and sustainable use. During their visit, they engaged with researchers to exchange ideas on how scientific knowledge can enhance community livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. The delegation also held a productive meeting with the Vice-Rector. Later, the group traveled to Papatia to meet with beneficiaries of the FC-SSA project and observe ongoing field activities. This visit highlights the strong connection between research, education, and local action, and underscores the role of scientific collaboration in advancing sustainable conservation.

The 4th International Congress of the International Society for Fungal Conservation (ISFC4) was successfully held from November 3 to 7, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin marking a historic first in Africa! The event brought together over 80 participants from more than 30 countries researchers, students, IUCN experts, and biodiversity actors all united under the theme: “Mainstreaming Fungal Conservation” Integrating fungal conservation into global biodiversity policies. For five days, the congress featured inspiring conferences, panel discussions, and workshops addressing the crucial role of fungi the often-forgotten heroes of our ecosystems and the need to include them in conservation priorities. In this national TV report, listen to the reactions of Professor Nourou Soulemane Yorou, President of the Organizing Committee, and Professor Brice Sinsin, who both highlight the scientific and symbolic significance of this milestone event for Africa. A big congratulations to the organizing team, partners, and participants for this remarkable success that proudly places Benin on the global map of fungal conservation. 🎬 Watch the video below to relive the key moments and reflections from ISFC4! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TM44oMyEmGrFmHysFng-3GH6a3UdYqeo/view?usp=sharing #ISFC4 #FungalConservation #FungiMatter #ScienceForNature #Benin #Africa

Abdoul-Azize Boukary has successfully completed and defended his PhD thesis at the University of Parakou under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Nourou Souleman YOROU. His research, titled “Production and culture of edible mushrooms in Benin: Towards the valorization of local saprotrophic species,” provides innovative solutions to the seasonal scarcity of mushrooms in West Africa. By promoting the off-season cultivation of local edible fungi, his work fills a critical gap and contributes to food security, poverty reduction, and the sustainable use of biodiversity. We are proud of this milestone achieved at MyTIPS, and celebrate this success for science, agriculture, and local livelihoods! Congratulations, Dr. Boukary! @MyTIPS @FC-SSA @UniversitéDeParakou

We are proud to announce the successful defense of Dr. Olyvia Gwladys FADEYI, whose research focused on: “Ethnomycological investigations, food and medicinal potential of wild mushrooms in Benin.” Conducted under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Nourou SOULEMANE YOROU at the Doctoral School of Agronomic and Water Sciences, University of Parakou, this work strengthens the core of excellence at MYTIPS the Research Unit on Tropical Mycology and Plant-Soil Fungi Interactions. Beyond the scientific impact, this milestone embodies MYTIPS’s commitment to gender-sensitive approaches by reinforcing women’s representation in fungal research and sustainable development.