A group of scientists is advocating for the protection of fungi as world leaders convene at a UN summit to safeguard biodiversity. Fungi, comprising an estimated 5 million species, outweigh Earth’s animals sixfold and play vital roles in ecosystems. Despite their significance, fungi have often been overlooked in conservation efforts focused on plants and animals.
Recognizing this gap, Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci established the Fungi Foundation in 2012, aiming to preserve the world’s fungi. The foundation, along with initiatives like Mycosphaera in Canada, has contributed to the formation of the Global Fungal Conservation Network. Recently, this coalition unveiled the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation at the COP17 UN biodiversity conference in Yerevan, Armenia.
While the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework emphasizes protecting various life forms and ecosystems, fungi are not explicitly mentioned. Furci emphasized the outdated approach of discussing flora and fauna without including fungi, stressing their crucial roles in sustaining life and combating environmental challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Many fungi species remain unidentified and uncounted, with only a small fraction formally described. Threats faced by fungi, including habitat loss, climate change, and pollution, are escalating. Conservationists are striving to raise awareness and secure commitments for fungal conservation, emphasizing the integral relationship between fungi and other organisms for ecosystem health and resilience.
Efforts to include fungi in international conservation agreements, such as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, are gaining momentum. By acknowledging the importance of fungi in everyday life and ecosystem functions, individuals can contribute to safeguarding these often-overlooked species.