At a UN summit focusing on safeguarding global biodiversity, a team of researchers is advocating for the protection of fungi, a diverse group of species often overlooked. These fungi, which outweigh all Earth’s animals combined, encompass an estimated 5 million species ranging from edible mushrooms to essential microscopic organisms in ecosystems. According to Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci, the world’s existence would be vastly different without fungi.
Recognizing the exclusion of fungi in conservation efforts for plants and animals, Furci established the Fungi Foundation in 2012, believed to be the first organization devoted to preserving fungi globally. The Global Fungal Conservation Network, comprising various entities like Canada-based Mycosphaera, collectively launched the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation at the COP17 UN biodiversity conference in Yerevan, Armenia.
Despite the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s emphasis on protecting diverse species, fungi are notably absent from the agreement. Furci argues that fungi, classified as a distinct kingdom in 1969, are vital for the survival of many organisms and play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem functions.
While facing similar threats as other species like habitat loss and climate change, fungi remain largely uncounted and unidentified. With efforts to raise awareness and recognition, conservationists aim to integrate fungi into global biodiversity monitoring and conservation planning for a more comprehensive understanding of Earth’s ecosystems.
The Fungi Foundation’s fungal conservation pledge has garnered support from 14 countries, urging greater acknowledgment and inclusion of fungi in international conservation strategies. Furci emphasizes the importance of public awareness and dialogue about fungi to foster a deeper appreciation for their significance in daily life and ecosystem sustainability.