The “Man & Biodiversity” field school took place from Wednesday, May 7 to Wednesday, May 14, 2025, on the campus of the National School of Water and Forests (ENEF) in Mbalmayo, Cameroon. Under the direction of Philippe le Gall (IRD-EGCE) and Pierre-Olivier Maquart (IRD-EGCE). This mission offered eight students from ENEF and two students from the University of Yaoundé 1 the opportunity to familiarize themselves with entomology.
This intensive one-week session focused on the role and contribution of insects to their ecosystems, the threats they face, entomophagy, and finally impact studies and the assessment of entomological biodiversity. A visit was organized on Monday, May 12 to the Rhynchophore production site (locally called Foss) managed by Mr. Michel Tsoungui Owono in Obout. The closing of the field school was held under the auspices of Dr. Saliou Niassy, of the African Union’s Inter-African Phytosanitary Council, and researcher Corinne Um Nyobé of the National School of Public Works. They both shared their research experiences and passion with the students.
Each year, the “Man and Biodiversity” field school brings together researchers and lecturers from IRD, CNRS, and Cameroonian and French universities, as well as NGOs such as Living Forest Trust in Cameroon and Planète Cétoines in France. It has raised awareness among numerous students from ENEF and the universities of Douala and Yaoundé 1 about issues related to insect biodiversity and the energy transition. Always highly appreciated by students, this field school showcases insects in a positive light and inspires new careers among participants each year. These careers can sometimes lead to internships or theses in entomology.