FC SSA

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

Capacity bulding

Capacity bulding, Exhibition, Non classé

Academic and Scientific Mobility in 2025: Strengthening International Collaboration for Fungal Conservation at MyTIPS Lab.

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In 2025, MyTIPS Lab demonstrated strong academic and scientific dynamism through extensive inbound and outbound mobility. A total of 78 partner arrivals strengthened collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research activities focused on fungal diversity, taxonomy, and conservation strategies. In parallel, MyTIPS members undertook 14 international outbound trips across Europe, Africa, and North America, fostering partnerships on sustainable use, monitoring, and preservation of fungal resources. These mobilities enhanced capacity building, technology transfer, and the harmonization of conservation approaches. Overall, academic mobility in 2025 significantly contributed to advancing fungal conservation efforts, reinforcing MyTIPS’ leadership in mycology and biodiversity conservation at regional and global levels 

Awareness session, Capacity bulding, Exhibition

New Publication under the Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa Project!

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Festivity as a Conservation Strategy in West Africa In northern Benin, conservation took an unexpected turn it began with music, laughter, and community spirit. Our new article reveals how festivities became a driving force for forest restoration, turning scientific work into a collective celebration of life. Through the Fungal Conservation Project, local communities restored fungi-rich forests by planting native ectomycorrhizal trees while embracing traditional songs and joyful gatherings. These cultural moments united generations, inspired women’s participation, and built a deeper bond between people and nature. This experience reminds us that true conservation is not only ecological, but deeply human where science, culture, and emotion meet to sustain both forests and communities. Read more: https://urlr.me/HCYUfp

Awareness session, Capacity bulding, Exhibition

First Day of the 4th Congress of the International Society for Fungal Conservation (ISFC4)

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Monday, November 3rd, marked the opening of ISFC4, attended by university authorities, IUCN officials, and research stakeholders. Under the theme Mainstreaming Fungal Conservation, the five-day congress brings together 72 mycologists and researchers from 27 countries to share scientific advances on fungi and their integration into biodiversity conservation strategies. The evening featured an online side event with African CBD focal points (Benin, Algeria, Madagascar, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Mali, and others), several of which agreed to include fungi in their #NBSAPs (National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans). #FungalConservation #Biodiversity #Mycology #ISFC4 #AfricanBiodiversity #ResearchForNature #SustainableFuture #NatureMatters #ScienceForConservation.

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.

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.

Capacity bulding

MYCOBLITZ Summer Course 2024 in Benin

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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

Capacity bulding

Discussing Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Targets in Parakou

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On April 3, 2024, We participated in the workshop « Disseminating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and Consulting with National Stakeholders for a Better Revision of the NBSAP of Benin. » It was an opportunity to interact with the political and administrative authorities of the Parakou town hall, the Ministry of Living Environment, Transport, and Sustainable Development, the CBD focal point, representatives of local NGOs, and researchers from the University of Parakou. We discussed target 2 of the KM GBF, aiming to restore at least 30% of ecosystems by 2030, and target 3, aiming to protect 30% of terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems by 2030. These exchanges aligned well with our project, one of whose core objectives is habitat restoration.

Capacity bulding

Capacity Building through Permaculture: Insights from the FC-SSA Project Training

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On March 25 and 26, the MyTIPS laboratory hosted training on Permaculture, covering its principles and applications. Led by Ghian from Permaculture Association, a collaborator of the Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa Project, this session involved 30 students. During this training, participants explored the importance of permaculture in preserving the sustainable environment, its practical application, as well as techniques such as water filtering. Additionally, special attention was paid to mushroom production. The session concluded with the delivery of certificates to the participants, thus being part of the capacity building efforts of the FC-SSA project.

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