FC SSA

  • Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa:
    sustainability and livelihood implications
Non classé

Fungi for Sustainable Development: Highlights from the SDGs Kara 2025 Conference

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From March 10 to 12, 2025, the Research Unit of Tropical Mycology and Plant-Soil Fungi Interaction participated in the International Conference on SDGs Kara 2025, emphasizing the crucial role of fungi in sustainable development. Their presentations covered fungal conservation and its contribution to SDG 15, the potential of mushroom cultivation in tropical Africa for food security and sustainability, and the impact of fungal resources on human well-being, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. The discussions highlighted the importance of fungi in biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, and socio-economic empowerment. By showcasing these contributions, the team reinforced the relevance of fungi in addressing global challenges and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Activities, Awareness session, Capacity bulding

Official launch of the forest seed harvesting campaign.

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As part of executing the activities of the Fungal Conservation in South-Saharan Africa Darwin main project 30-020 (FC-SSA), a project team carried out the « Official Launch of the Forest Seed Harvesting Campaign and Discussions with Nursery Growers in the Villages Benefiting from the FC-SSA Project. » In these villages, teams of 6 to 10 people, with more than 50% women, were formed for the installation of nurseries, as well as the monitoring and maintenance of the plants. The teams were trained on identifying target species (Afzelia africana, Isoberlinia tomentosa, Isoberlinia doka, Uapaka togolensis, Berlinia grandiflora, and Monotes kerstingii) and seed conditioning. Cash collection and storage equipment were also provided to these teams. This mission also included the potting activity, where 4000 pots were prepared to facilitate the nursery establishment. This initiative not only empowered the local communities but also helped in fostering sustainable practices for seedling management and forest conservation. The project is set to positively impact the biodiversity of the region, contributing to the restoration of essential forest ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.

Activities

Advancing Fungal Conservation in Benin’s National Biodiversity Strategy

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From December 26 to 28, 2024, we participated in a workshop focused on formulating national objectives and defining monitoring indicators as part of the revision of Benin’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), in line with the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The event took place at the Technical Directorate of the National Wood Corporation in Bohicon, gathering representatives from the Departments of Water, Forests, and Hunting, the National Agricultural Research Institute of Benin (INRAB), leaders of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and mycology researchers, including our team. Our contribution marked a historic milestone: for the first time, a national objective specifically focused on mushroom conservation was included. The objective is to preserve and promote fungal diversity while enhancing their ecological role, ensuring their sustainable use, and protecting their habitats. To monitor the successful implementation of this objective, we defined key indicators, including: – Funding for research and technological advancements in mycology, – The establishment of mushroom conservation sites, – The promotion of traditional knowledge related to fungi. This significant step contributes to the broader global biodiversity efforts and highlights the importance of fungi in sustaining ecological balance.

Non classé

FC-SSA Participates in COP16 with a Groundbreaking Presentation on Community Inclusion in Restoration Projects

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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.

Awareness session, Exhibition

MyTIPS at COP16: Fungal Conservation on the Global Stage

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From October 20 to 31, 2024, MyTIPS, led by Prof. Nourou S. Yorou, actively participated in the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) held in Cali, Colombia. The COP meetings serve as platforms for stakeholders to exchange updates on progress in biodiversity documentation and conservation efforts. COP16, with a total of 20,000 participants, was particularly significant as it focused on reviewing the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Prof. Yorou’s participation as a mycologist at such a high-level diplomatic and political forum is a first, not only for the Beninese delegation but in the history of COPs. It is well-known that fungi were overlooked at the original CBD meeting in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. However, for the past two decades, efforts have been underway to raise awareness among the public, conservators, and policymakers about the urgent need to protect fungi, which play crucial roles both upstream and downstream in trophic chains. Prof. Yorou’s involvement aimed to bring the voice of fungi to the biodiversity conservation table, while also urging global conservation bodies to take more inclusive actions for fungi. Numerous exchanges and sessions, coordinated by Prof. Yorou, facilitated the sharing of Benin’s experiences in fungal conservation through the « Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa » project. Attached are some images from the event, and an audio element can be accessed through the link provided. MyTIPS continues to push the boundaries of fungal ignorance, harnessing the power of collective effort and advancing research on fungi to maximize their utility in biodiversity conservation

Awareness session, Exhibition, Exploring

Conservation with an impact : Fungi and Indigenous Knowledge – Benin

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Discover our groundbreaking project in Benin, where scientists and community leaders unite to elevate the role of fungi in biodiversity conservation. Supported by the Darwin Initiative, we’re committed to sustainable practices that empower local communities while preserving vital ecosystems https://www.permaculture.org.uk/articles/conservation-impact-fungi-and-indigenous-knowledge-benin

Awareness session, Exhibition

Exclusive Interview with Prof Yorou: The FC-SSA Project and Fungi Conservation in Daabaaru Newspaper

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Mushrooms are crucial for the stability of forest ecosystems and play a vital role in the well-being of communities. However, they are often overlooked in conservation efforts. This is the driving force behind the FC-SSA project, which aims to provide data on mushrooms and offer policy recommendations to ensure their inclusion in conservation strategies, as mandated by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The project also aims to raise awareness about habitat conservation across sub-Saharan Africa. It operates in Birni, Perma, and Koutouponga in northern Benin, as well as in Zimbabwe. In an exclusive interview with Daabaaru Newspaper, the project Leader, Prof. Yorou stressed the importance of preserving mushrooms and called on policymakers to explicitly integrate them into environmental management and protection plan

Awareness session

Establishing a Protected Area: Collaborative Efforts for the Preservation of the Kota Waterfall Ecosystem in Northern Benin

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From September 11-13, 2024, a team from the University of Parakou visited Natitingou to launch discussions on creating a protected area around the Kota Waterfall. This initiative, supported by local authorities, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, aims to safeguard the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region while addressing pressing environmental threats. During the mission, the team met with municipal and village leaders to explore the ecological importance of the site and its potential for job creation, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. However, several challenges were identified, including land ownership issues, water pollution, and the impact of illegal gold mining.Despite these challenges, the mission concluded with strong support from local stakeholders. The next steps include presenting the project at the Administrative Conference, engaging local communities in the conservation effort, and exploring sustainable solutions to the region’s mining activities. This mission was part of a broader conservation project funded by the Darwin Initiative, focused on preserving the biodiversity of edible mushrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa. The establishment of a protected area at Kota will contribute to safeguarding the region’s natural and cultural assets for future generations.

Awareness session, Capacity bulding

Capacity Building: FC-SSA Trains Women Beneficiaries in Mushroom Production

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From August 20th to 21st, 2024, the FC-SSA project organized a training session on edible mushroom production for 10 women. The training was conducted by Azize Boukary, a PhD student at MyTIPS, University of Parakou. Coming from three villages (Tassigourou, Papatia, and Sinaissiré), the participants were trained in substrate selection techniques, pasteurization, inoculation, and given a brief explanation of seed production. Highly committed and determined, these women paid attention to the training, which offers them a new income-generating activity while helping to reduce poverty and gender inequalities. It is important to note that this training is part of a series of training initiated by the FC-SSA project.

Exhibition

MyTIPS at International Mycology Congress (IMC12) 2024

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The MyTIPS research group from the University of Parakou, Benin, made a strong impression at the 12th International Mycology Congress (IMC12) in Maastricht, held from August 11-15, 2024. Represented by researchers including PhD candidate Affoussatou Tabé, Dr. Boris Armel Olou, and Prof. Nourou Soulemane Yorou, the group excelled, particularly during a special session on African Mycology. With eight oral presentations and two posters, their work on pathogenic and mycorrhizal fungi was recognized as a model of collaboration and innovation, significantly enhancing Benin’s global standing in tropical mycology.

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