News

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,…

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…

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…

This afternoon, Dramani Ramdan participated in a high-level meeting with Dr. Vivek Menon, newly elected Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission, during his official visit to Benin. The gathering brought together members of IUCN-Benin and the SSC Committee to discuss the country’s contribution to species conservation. During the discussions,…

Fati Sambo, the FC-SSA project focal point, took part in the Fourth International Congress on Conservation organized by the International Society for Fungal Conservation (3–7 November 2025, Benin). She highlighted the collaboration as a local partner of the project and shared the activities carried out by the Papatia community, including…

Fungal Resources for Human Well-being: Implications for Poverty and Gender Inequality in Sub-Saharan Africa Our new article presents the first large-scale synthesis on the role of wild useful fungi (WUF) in Sub-Saharan Africa. From 95 scientific papers, we identified 396 fungal species, including 47 with medicinal uses. These fungi are…

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…

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…

From August 25 to 29, 2025, the Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa (FC-SSA) project team, together with local beneficiary communities, carried out a large-scale forest reforestation activity. The initiative took place in the community forests of Fouctoume, Kopeinko, and Koubirgou, where the strong involvement of women was particularly remarkable. During…

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…

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…

To celebrate Benin’s National Tree Day, the FCSSA project planted 1,200 Afzelia seedlings in four beneficiary forests. This initiative was conducted in close partnership with local communities, forestry and wildlife officers, and project members. The project plays a crucial role in protecting biodiversity and conserving the habitats of wild fungi,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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

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…