The United Nations Biodiversity program has recently emphasized the significance of fungi in our global ecosystem, urging people worldwide to use the term ‘funga’ along with ‘flora and fauna’. This announcement puts an underscore on the importance of fungi, an often-underrepresented group in conventional dialogues surrounding biodiversity and conservation.
Equal Recognition for Fungi in Conservation Frameworks
Why is there a sudden push to include the term ‘funga’ in everyday language? According to United Nations Biodiversity, it is time for fungi to be recognized equally along with plants and animals within legal conservation frameworks. There have been previous calls for such recognition. For instance, the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had previously declared its intention to use “mycologically inclusive” language and include fungi in conservation strategies for rare and endangered plants and animals. Recognizing the role of fungi is essential due to their vital contributions to decomposition, forest regeneration, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling and antibiotic medication.
What is Fungi?
Fungi or fungus are a diverse group of micro or macroscopic organisms that are distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria, forming their own biological kingdom. They are eukaryotic, meaning they have membrane-bound cell organelles and a true nucleus, similar to plant, animals and protists. As heterotrophs, fungi primarily serve as decomposers or saprophytes, deriving nutrients from organic matter in their surroundings. Their ability to secrete enzymes to break down complex organic compounds helps them absorb simpler substances and aids various natural processes.
Benefits of Fungi
Fungi provide a number of benefits including nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, climate regulation, and even direct applications in food and medicine. They aid in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter thereby enhancing soil fertility. Furthermore, they contribute to climate regulation by playing a fundamental role in soil carbon storage. They also have several beneficial applications in our daily lives. For instance, yeasts are used in baking, brewing, and antibiotic production such as penicillin. Additionally, fungi are known to play a crucial role in environmental protection by degrading pollutants like plastic, petroleum-based products, pharmaceuticals and oil from the environment.
Adverse Effects of Fungi
While fungi offer numerous benefits, they can also have harmful effects. Certain types of fungi cause diseases in humans and animals such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, histoplasmosis, and aspergillosis. Some fungi produce mycotoxins, toxic compounds that can contaminate food leading to health issues when consumed. Additionally, fungal pathogens can infect crops and plants, causing significant economic losses in agriculture. Fungal spores can also trigger allergies and respiratory problems in individuals prone to allergic reactions. In certain conditions, fungi can also accelerate the biodegradation of materials such as leather, textiles, and paper, which could be detrimental if these materials are not properly preserved.
Strategies for Promoting Fungal Conservation
To encourage the conservation of fungi, it is crucial to include them in legal conservation frameworks at both national and international levels. Allocation of adequate funding for fungal conservation projects and investing in research to study fungal diversity, distribution and ecological roles are also of utmost importance. It is also necessary to launch educational programs and awareness campaigns about the vital contributions of fungi to ecosystem health, nutrient cycling, and biodiversity. Lastly, it is essential for government agencies, research institutions, and conservation organizations to adopt “mycologically inclusive” language in their communications, policies, and reports to underscore the importance of fungi.