Fungi now have a global conservation strategy
YEREVAN, Armenia — Like the dark spaces they often prefer, mushrooms, yeasts, and some 160,000 known species of fungi rest in the background of conservation efforts. But their crucial role as ecosystem engineers makes protecting them vital, said Greg Mueller, chief scientist emeritus at the Chicago Botanic Garden in the U.S. “They really are responsible […]
YEREVAN, Armenia — For centuries, fungi have been overlooked in global conservation efforts. However, their vital role in ecosystems has led to the creation of the first global conservation strategy for fungal protection, announced on October 21 at the United Nations biodiversity conference (COP17) in Armenia. Greg Mueller, chief scientist emeritus at the Chicago Botanic Garden, likened fungi to "nature's recyclers" during the event.
These organisms form symbiotic relationships with plants, facilitate nutrient and water exchange, sequester carbon in soil, and provide food for various creatures. Despite their significance, fungi have often been neglected in international negotiations to halt species loss. A team of 30 mycologists from around the world, led by Mueller, has now set out to integrate fungal conservation into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a key aspect of the ongoing negotiations at COP17.
Mycologists have limited data on the conservation status of most fungi, making it difficult to assess extinction risks. The new guidelines aim to encourage research and the preservation of rare species, highlighting the urgent need to address the overlooked kingdom of fungi.
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