At a UN summit convened by world leaders to safeguard the planet’s biodiversity, a team of researchers is advocating for the protection of fungi, a diverse group of organisms often overlooked. These fungi, which collectively outweigh all the world’s animals, boast an estimated 5 million species, ranging from edible mushrooms to tiny organisms crucial for ecosystem functioning.
Chilean mycologist Giuliana Furci emphasized the vital role of fungi in sustaining life on Earth, expressing concern over the historical neglect of fungi in conservation efforts. In response, Furci established the Fungi Foundation in 2012, aiming to champion the conservation of these vital organisms. The Global Fungal Conservation Network, including organizations like Mycosphaera, joined forces to launch the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation at the COP17 UN biodiversity conference in Armenia.
While global agreements like the 2022 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework prioritize protecting various species, fungi are often excluded from these discussions. Furci argued that fungi, recognized as a separate kingdom in 1969, are indispensable for the survival of numerous plants and animals, underscoring the need to include them in conservation efforts to address challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss.
Despite their critical ecological roles, many fungi remain unnamed and undocumented, with threats to their existence escalating. Furci highlighted the urgent need to mitigate risks faced by fungi, including habitat loss, chemical pollutants, and climate change, stressing that actions to safeguard fungi would benefit entire ecosystems and human livelihoods.
Efforts to conserve fungi are gaining momentum, with the Fungi Foundation proposing a fungal conservation pledge endorsed by several countries. Increased recognition of fungi within international agreements could enhance biodiversity monitoring, conservation planning, and ecosystem restoration worldwide. Furci urged individuals to raise awareness about fungi, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these organisms in everyday conversations to drive meaningful change.