As part of TETTRIs’ commitment to strengthening taxonomic capacity and advancing biodiversity knowledge worldwide, a team of project members travelled to Benin to deliver an intensive four-day training programme at the University of Parakou.

The workshop was led by Maarten Van Steenberge (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences), Dr. Edéya Orobiyi Rodrigue Pelebe (University of Parakou / University of Cape Coast), and Prof. Maarten Vanhove (Hasselt University), who introduced participants to essential skills in freshwater ecology, taxonomy, and biodiversity assessment.

Training for Local Experts and Policymakers

The group of participants—composed of Beninese fisheries managers, academics, and teachers—received training based on the freshwater biodiversity course for policymakers developed within #TETTRIs.

The programme included:

• Field excursions to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings
• Hands-on identification sessions for freshwater fish and their parasites
• Collection management techniques and best practices
• Parasitology training to support ecosystem health assessments
• Strategies for protecting threatened freshwater fish species in Benin

Researchers from Togo and Côte d’Ivoire also took part, highlighting the regional relevance and impact of the training.

Strengthening Taxonomic Capacity Through International Collaboration

This initiative was funded by the Global Taxonomy Initiative, managed by the CEBioS programme and supported by the Belgian Directorate General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, with additional contributions from the #TETTRIs project.

By equipping local experts with practical taxonomic and ecological skills, TETTRIs continues to support long-term biodiversity conservation and promote scientific cooperation across Africa.