At a UN summit attended by global leaders to safeguard the world’s biodiversity, a team of researchers is advocating for the protection of fungi, a diverse group of species often overlooked. Fungi on Earth outweigh all animals combined and encompass an estimated 5 million species, ranging from edible mushrooms to vital microscopic organisms. According to Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci, the existence of the world would be drastically altered without fungi.
Despite their ecological significance, fungi have historically been excluded from conservation efforts focused on plants and animals. Recognizing this oversight, Furci established the Fungi Foundation in 2012 to champion the preservation of fungi globally. Other organizations like Canada-based Mycosphaera have also emerged, collectively forming the Global Fungal Conservation Network. The coalition recently introduced the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation at the COP17 UN biodiversity conference in Yerevan, Armenia.
While the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and waters by 2030, fungi are notably absent from the agreement. Furci emphasized the importance of including fungi in discussions about biodiversity due to their integral role in sustaining various ecosystems. She highlighted that fungi face similar threats as other species, such as habitat loss, climate change, and chemical exposure.
Notably, the IUCN Red List added 1,300 fungi to its assessments, with over 400 species at risk of extinction. Despite the challenges in identifying and quantifying fungal species, conservationists are striving to raise awareness and secure commitments to protect fungi. The Fungi Foundation’s fungal conservation pledge has garnered support from several countries, advocating for greater recognition and inclusion of fungi in biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.
Furci emphasized the need for public engagement in recognizing the significance of fungi in daily life. By acknowledging the vital role fungi play in ecosystems and advocating for their protection, individuals can contribute to preserving biodiversity. Walker, a biology professor, highlighted the importance of understanding the relationships between fungi and other organisms for effective habitat restoration efforts.
