If fungi are neither plants nor animals, how are they protected? 🍄 The UK and Chile have announced a bold initiative to elevate fungi to the same global conservation status as flora and fauna. The two governments will co-sponsor a "pledge for fungal conservation" to be presented at the UN’s COP16 meeting on biological diversity in Cali, Colombia starting next week. The plan seeks to recognize fungi as a separate realm deserving of legal protection. This shift could have transformative impacts on biodiversity and environmental policies worldwide.
Fungi, not only mushrooms, but also moulds, yeasts, and more, play an essential but often overlooked role in ecosystems. From aiding in carbon sequestration to breaking down pollutants, they support many natural processes that are crucial for environmental and human health. Mycologists have long argued that life on Earth, as we know it, would not exist without fungi, which help plants thrive on land and contribute to ecosystem stability.
The initiative, backed by both governments and key organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Kew Gardens, aims to close the gap in conservation efforts that have historically overlooked fungi. Currently, just 0.4% of fungal species have been assessed for conservation, despite their vital role in areas like food security, medicine, and climate regulation. If adopted, it would pave the way for concrete measures to protect fungi and harness their benefits for both ecosystems and people.
This will be interesting to follow and see what countries join the UK and Chile.
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6 w
This is a great move that will bring about change if only it was embraced by all .
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6 w
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6 w
The initiative by the UK and Chile to elevate fungi to the same global conservation status as flora and fauna is indeed groundbreaking!
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6 w
The initiative by the UK and Chile to advocate for global fungi conservation status at COP16 would be an important step in recognizing the vital role fungi play in ecosystems
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6 w
Great initiative.. Yah such an idea should be adopted as it will be vital and beneficial to all.
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6 w
Amazing. Fungi importance has been underestimated which is dangerous.
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6 w
The initiative, aims to close the gap in conservation efforts that have historically overlooked fungi
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6 w
This is quite a great initiative. We all should follow in their footsteps and make a difference Sooner .
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6 w
Great move,hoping many more countries are able to join the UK and Chile in this campaign.
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6 w
The joint effort by the UK and Chile to advocate for global fungi conservation status at COP16 is a significant step towards recognizing the importance of fungi in ecosystems. This initiative has the potential to spread awareness of the need to protect and conserve all forms of biodiversity for the health of our planet.
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6 w
Fungi helps both the plants and animals makes it hard to even classify them.This move to classify,protect and nature them is just incredible❤..Good intentions.
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6 w
interesting!
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6 w
Fantastic initiative! Fungi are often overlooked but are vital to ecosystems and combating climate change.
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6 w
@princess_nel_268 This will be interesting to follow.