Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation
Fungi underpin all life on Earth! However, they remain largely absent from conservation policy and action despite facing significant and increasing pressures and threats.
A comprehensive strategy for fungi has been a missing piece to push fungi to the forefront of the global conservation agenda. At the 12th International Mycological Congress in Maastricht, August 2024, the wider mycological community agreed on the need to develop a strategy for the conservation of fungi. Since then, experts in the global mycological community came together as the Global Fungal Conservation Network (GFCN) to develop a Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation (GSFC), with Secretariat support from Plantlife International. The purpose of the strategy is to leverage effective and urgent change for fungi and address the challenges which cause fungal species extinction before they are even formally named. It will also affirm fungi’s critical role in providing solutions to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss humanity is facing.
The GSFC has been developed to support several key global frameworks, underscoring the multifaceted importance of fungi in global sustainability efforts. Most notably, aligns closely with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), considering its long-term vision extending to 2050 and its overarching targets, which encompass issues related to habitat protection and restoration, species recovery, equitable and sustainable use, climate change, and the benefits of biodiversity to people.
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The development of the Strategy is still ongoing, and a version should be shared soon for public consultation. STAY TUNNED!
Upcoming Events
A first draft of the Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation will be made available for public consultation in the next few months.
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Mission
Our Vision
The Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation is a crucial initiative striving to foster urgent change for fungi and combat extinction risks before they are recorded.
Impact
Addressing the triple planetary crisis is essential. Our strategy directly contributes to combating climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss through effective fungal conservation.
Awareness
Educate Communities
Raising awareness about the importance of fungi is key in conservation efforts. We strive to inform communities about fungi's ecological contributions.
Advocacy
Policy Support
We advocate for policies that promote fungal research and conservation initiatives, helping to ensure protective measures for these essential organisms.
Research
Support Studies
Our goal is to enhance research into fungal species, addressing knowledge gaps and facilitating effective conservation strategies that can be implemented globally.
Resources
At the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), in Cali, Colombia, the Global Fungal Conservation Network shared the “Contribution of Fungi to the Global Biodiversity Framework” to raise awareness and promote the importance of fungal species for achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets and goals.
