France/The unusual partnership between a commune and a mushroom lover

A passionate mycologist will be volunteering his knowledge to help the commune of La Milesse, near Le Mans (Sarthe), to learn more about the world of mushrooms and arouse the interest of local residents.

Éric Echevest from Aigné, a member of Appic (Association pour la promotion de pédagogies innovantes autour des champignons), is a passionate enthusiast. At 55, after two years of study, he has just obtained a university diploma in mycology from the Faculty of Lyon.

To give meaning to my diploma, I offered to inventory and identify mushrooms and monitor the fungal kingdom in La Milesse, as this commune is committed to preserving its biodiversity. I'd like to follow the evolution of species to protect and alert people to environmental threats. Last but not least, I'd like to arouse the interest of local residents. I'm proposing a partnership with the municipality in a bid to preserve the area's biodiversity. I've already discovered a variety of mushrooms in the commune. I think I'll learn a lot," says Eric Echevest enthusiastically.

To carry out this approach to the fungal kingdom, Eric has access to a number of specialized books, a microscope and can count on the support of other mycologists and the Appic.

Raising awareness of this mysterious world

Olivier Bertolino, deputy in charge of the environment commission, took an interest in the proposal and, with the agreement of the town council, accepted the voluntary partnership. Today, La Milesse has been awarded the Ville et Village Fleuris label, which recognizes the importance of greening public spaces, preserving natural resources and protecting biodiversity. We are also linked to the Territoire engagé pour la nature contract. There's a real logic to this new partnership. La Milesse already provides information on fauna and flora, and now we're going to cover the world of fungi," proclaims Olivier Bertolino.

Through this union, our aim is to make the mysterious world of mushrooms better known to the local population and to take care of the land.

We want to get people interested in our diverse territory. We met at the right time," says Oivier Bertolino.

Exhibitions and meetings with local residents, schools and associations are planned.

Source: www.ouest-france.fr/