United Nations Biodiversity has called for the adoption of the term “funga” alongside “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi. Fungi, a vital kingdom of life, joins animals, plants, and other classifications in biology. UN Biodiversity urges the use of “flora, fauna, and FUNGA” in conversations to grant fungi equal protection. The initiative mirrors the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s mycological language adoption. Fungi play indispensable roles in decomposition, digestion, carbon sequestration, and more. Integrating “funga” into everyday discourse enhances fungi’s conservation. This echoes broader efforts to employ eco-conscious language for environmental matters, including indigenous rights in conservation discussions.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Funga: A term advocated by UN Biodiversity to replace “flora and fauna,” spotlighting the importance of fungi in the biological realm.
- Kingdoms of Biology: The six primary classifications of life forms on Earth: Animalia, Plantae, Protista, Archaea/Archaebacteria, Bacteria/Eubacteria, and Fungi.
- Mycologically-Inclusive Language: Language that acknowledges fungi’s role, as seen in the adoption of terms like “fauna, flora, and funga” by conservation organizations.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): An organization promoting sustainable use of natural resources and conservation, which embraced mycologically-inclusive language to elevate fungi’s significance in the ecosystem.
- Indigenous Rights: The rights of native and local communities, advocating respect for their land, culture, and heritage; Survival International addresses the need for decolonized language in conservation to support indigenous peoples’ rights and perspectives.
