At a UN summit focused on safeguarding global flora and fauna, scientists are advocating for the protection of fungi, a diverse and often overlooked kingdom of species. Fungi on Earth outweigh all animals combined and comprise an estimated 5 million species, ranging from edible mushrooms to tiny organisms crucial for ecosystems. Notably, fungi have been excluded from conservation efforts for plants and animals, prompting initiatives like the Fungi Foundation, established in 2012 by Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci, the first organization dedicated to preserving fungi globally.
The Global Fungal Conservation Network, including initiatives like Mycosphaera from Canada, joined forces to launch the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation at the COP17 UN biodiversity conference in Yerevan, Armenia. The ongoing UN meeting is assessing progress on the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aimed at protecting 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030.
Despite their vital role in ecosystems, fungi have been historically overlooked in environmental legislation, sparking calls for greater recognition and conservation efforts. Fungi’s absence from discussions on biodiversity is considered outdated, given their separate classification as a kingdom since 1969 and their significance in sustaining plant and animal life.
The peril faced by fungi is increasingly evident, with over 1,300 species, including 411 facing extinction, added to the IUCN Red List last March. Threats such as fungicides, habitat loss, and climate change endanger fungi, impacting various organisms reliant on them for survival. Conservationists emphasize the need to include fungi in biodiversity monitoring and restoration efforts to ensure their protection and maintain ecosystem balance.
Efforts such as the fungal conservation pledge proposed by the Fungi Foundation aim to raise awareness and garner support for fungal conservation globally. By acknowledging the importance of fungi in everyday life and including them in discussions on biodiversity, individuals can contribute to safeguarding these often overlooked yet essential organisms.