During COP16, held in October 2024, representatives from Chile and the UK presented a proposal to the United Nations seeking to establish a separate classification for fungi in conservation efforts. This initiative, known as “funga”—a term introduced by the Flora Fauna Funga (3F) Initiative in 2018—aims to acknowledge fungi as a distinct category alongside traditional flora and fauna.
This significant endeavor encourages a reevaluation of our interactions with around 2.5 million fungal species, which form an essential and transformative kingdom that often goes unnoticed due to their elusive nature.
Insight on Fungi
Historically, fungi were regarded as members of the plant kingdom until the mid-20th century, when they were reclassified based on significant structural and functional differences. Unlike plants that use chlorophyll to harness solar energy, fungi, akin to humans, derive nutrients from the environment. Interestingly, fungi are genetically closer to humans than to plants, sharing a common ancestor from around 1.5 million years ago.
The fungal kingdom is incredibly varied and traditionally encompasses mushrooms, yeasts, and molds, which can be categorized as saprobic, parasitic, or mutualistic. Saprobes decompose organic matter; parasites thrive on living organisms, while mutualists engage in beneficial partnerships with living hosts.
Most research in the West has highlighted the pathogenic aspects of fungi, often neglecting their pivotal role in sustaining life on Earth—a reality emphasized by mycologist and Fungi Foundation director Guiliani Furci and biologist Merlin Sheldrake, who noted, “any account of life that excludes fungi is fundamentally incomplete.”
The Role of Fungi as Ecosystem Engineers
Fungi are found in numerous environments, from the depths of the Dead Sea to the inner workings of insects and extreme atmospheric conditions. In his insightful book, *What a Mushroom Lives For*, anthropology professor Michael Hathaway explores the critical historical influence of fungi on Earth. They have played an essential role in processes like rock decomposition, enabling plant life to transition from aquatic to terrestrial ecosystems, and enhancing soil nourishment for optimal plant growth.
Hathaway illustrates how fungi actively shape their surroundings, discussing the matsutake mushroom’s impact on insect behavior and their ability to respond to threats by attracting predators through chemical signals.
He challenges the perception of decay as a mere passive occurrence, framing it as an active process that supports entire ecosystems. “Seeing fungi as world-makers broadens our understanding of life and agency within all organisms,” he argues, urging society to shift its focus from a human-centric view to a more inclusive recognition of life’s interconnections.
The Potential of Fungi
While the conversation often revolves around how fungi can benefit us, we should also consider the reciprocal responsibilities we have toward them. The recent COP16 submission for fungi to be recognized under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity represents a vital step in acknowledging their importance as a unique kingdom.
Traditionally overlooked in conservation considerations, a successful bid could lead to enhanced protections for fungi in both conservation and agricultural policies and encourage investment in fungal studies.
Conservation assessments are critical, as only about 0.4 percent of known fungi species have been evaluated compared to 80 percent for animals and 18 percent for plants. These evaluations are pivotal for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, which serves as a global benchmark for tracking extinction risks and advocating for the protection of endangered species.
Chile, a sponsor of the COP16 proposal, is a leader in fungal conservation, where laws require companies and government entities to include fungi in environmental assessments for their projects.
Globally recognizing fungi as a distinct conservation category could enhance protections for those utilized in natural health products and ensure sustainable harvesting practices while respecting protected areas.
Given their integral role in our ecosystems, fungi merit our profound attention and reverence.
This article was initially published in the June 2025 edition of Thewindowsclubs magazine.
