Recent Activities Restoration of Kpeoussob\u00e9 Sacred Forest This Friday, July 12, 2024, a team from the FC-SSA project undertook, in close collaboration with the project beneficiaries, the reforestation of the sacred forest of Kpeoussob\u00e9 in Sinaissir\u00e9. In total, 513 seedlings of Isoberlinia and Afzelia africana were transplanted. This initiative is part of the objectives of the FC-SSA Project, which aims to restore the project\u2019s beneficiary forests with 3,000 ectomycorrhizal species each year. The population, very committed, mobilized in large numbers to ensure the success of this activity. Learn more FC-SSA at the Climate Diplomacy Academy 2024 Wilfrid Adjimoti from the FC-SSA project participated in the “Climate Diplomacy Academy 2024” in Kenya from June 17 to 21, focusing on climate change and natural resources. This event provided him the platform to share various initiatives by the FC-SSA Project aimed at conserving fungal diversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Over the five-day conference, he also raised awareness about the crucial role fungi play in biodiversity preservation, emphasizing their significance to fellow participants. Learn more Announcement of final defense : A new Dr. for MyTIPS On June 13th, 2024, Kassim Issifou Tchan successfully defended his doctoral thesis on West African forest soil mycobiome and its functional diversity for controlled indigenous tree regeneration. He received the highest honors, marking a significant achievement in tropical mycology research. As the 5th doctoral graduate from MyTIPS in four years (2020-2024), this success highlights the lab’s commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge research. This accomplishment not only demonstrates MyTIPS’ leadership in the field but also promises positive impacts on indigenous forest regeneration in West Africa. Learn more National Tree Day in Benin: The FC-SSA Project Upholds the Tradition The FC-SSA project (Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa: Sustainability and Livelihood Implications) once again made a significant impact on National Tree Day in Benin. On June 1, 2024, the village of Koborou witnessed a reforestation initiative led by the project staff, in collaboration with the local NGO REDERC, local communities predominantly represented by women, and officials from the water and forestry department. This initiative is an integral part of the project’s program to restore degraded natural habitats of mushrooms, which is a key objective of the FC-SSA project launched a year ago. Learn more FC-SSA at the International Biodiversity Day Exhibition of biological specimens as part of the National Week of Biodiversity. Unfortunately, fungi are missing in the collection of National Forest Office. But fortunately, MyTIPS is present to showcase fungi and to bring their voice at the table. Learn more FC-SSA at the AYC on Natural Resources and Environmental Governance 2024 From May 2-4, 2024, FC-SSA project team member Wilfrid Adjimoti participated in the African Youth Conference on Natural Resources and Environmental Governance in Accra, Ghana. This event brought together young people passionate about natural resource governance and environmental protection, from countries such as Ivory Coast, Benin, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Africa and Sierra Leone. Mr. Adjimoti took this opportunity to promote the FC-SSA project to participants. A kakemono presenting the project was on display, allowing visitors to discover the objectives and achievements of this initiative aimed at preserving and restoring forests. Flyers were Read More Learn more Edible mushrooms on the front page of national newspapers Published this Monday, April 29 in the newspaper \u201cLe Matinal\u201d under the title “Edible mushroom sector in Benin”, the publication addresses the issues and challenges of an under-exploited gold mine. According to Professor Yourou, Director of MyTIPS in the publication, Beninese forests are full of more than 800 species of which more than fifty have high nutritional value. Promotion of this resource involving the population from harvest to consumption will enable to value these mushrooms. Learn more Launching of the book “Champignons comestibles d’Afrique de l’Ouest” On April 5th, 2024, the University of Parakou hosted the launch of the book “Champignons comestibles d’Afrique de l’Ouest”, a collaborative effort between the Meise Botanical Garden and the MyTIPS research unit. This nine-chapter work comprehensively explores aspects of West African mycology, ranging from the climates influencing fungal diversity to the illustrated descriptions of edible species, including their cultivation, valorization, and identification. Its publication serves as a further step in the ongoing initiatives focused on conserving the rich fungal biodiversity in sub-Saharan Africa, of “Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa” Project. Learn more Discussing Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Targets in Parakou 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 Read More Learn more Exploring Project Impact: Field Insights from FC-SSA Beneficiary Villages From March 28th to 29th, 2024, a team from the FC-SSA Project undertook a visit to villages benefiting from the project. During these two days of visits, the team engaged in discussions with women from the beneficiary villages to gather their experiences in establishing nurseries. Capacity-building program has been also organized for women on strategies for fungi habitats conservation, such as permaculture. This direct interaction enabled for a deeper understanding project impact on local community livelihood. The team visited also Babazaor\u00e9 community forest and the Papatia botanical garden. Learn more Capacity Building through Permaculture: Insights from the FC-SSA Project Training 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<\/p>\n