Pierre-Olivier Maquart and Philippe Le Gall conducted an initial mission in November 2025 as part of the FEF-R project: Cooperation for the Protection of Biodiversity in Zimbabwe. Funded by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Europe and the French Embassy in Zimbabwe, the project aims to enhance Zimbabwe's heritage entomological collections through digitization, 3D modeling of key insects, and online access. It relies on the introduction of cutting-edge 3D imaging technology (developed by the Planète Cétoine association), unique in Africa, to improve documentation and access to specimens of interest.The project strengthens local capacity by training students and technicians in the collection, identification, digitization, and study of insects, notably through a field school. To improve knowledge of entomological biodiversity—particularly bioindicator and edible species—inventories will be conducted both in the museum's existing collections and at the UNESCO site of the Khami Ruins. Carried out in partnership with the National Museum of Natural History in Bulawayo and Chinhoyi University, this collaborative research project contributes to the enhancement of Zimbabwe's scientific heritage and its dissemination to the scientific community and the general public.
