NewsLos Angeles Times — ScienceOctober 27, 2026Los Angeles County
Conservationists launch first global strategy to protect fungi and integrate them into international biodiversity frameworks
Photo: Los Angeles Times — Science
International conservationists launched the first global strategy for fungal conservation on Oct. 21 at the United Nations biodiversity conference (COP17) in Armenia to integrate fungi into international biodiversity negotiations. The guidelines aim to spur new research, protect rare species, incorporate fungi into restoration efforts, and balance the sustainable use of species that provide food and medicine.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times — ScienceWhy It Matters
The initiative seeks to shift international conservation policy—which has historically overlooked fungi—to include an estimated 160,000 known species that recycle nutrients, store carbon, and support food production across countries including Uganda, Rwanda, and Benin.
Key Facts
- A team of fungi conservationists from 30 countries launched the first global conservation strategy for fungi on Oct. 21 at COP17 in Armenia.
- There are an estimated 160,000 known species of fungi, which serve as ecosystem engineers, recyclers, and carbon storers.
- Historically, international negotiations to stem species loss have not fully considered fungi, and data on their conservation status remains sparse.
- The strategy seeks to integrate fungal protection into the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- In Uganda and Rwanda, mushroom cultivation provides household income while reducing environmental pressure on wetlands that support threatened cranes.
- In Benin, where 70 species of edible mushrooms grow, women have benefited from learning to grow and sell them.
- Fungi are utilized as biocontrols against insect pests like cereal borers that threaten critical food crops such as sorghum, rice, and maize.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationMongabay“Independent news organization focused on nature”locationBenin“Country home to 70 species of edible mushrooms”PersonCátia Canteiro“Conservationist with Plantlife International who co-led the strategy”OrganizationGreenHill Laboratories“Laboratory facility in South Africa associated with Bernice Bancole”PersonGreg Mueller“Chief scientist emeritus at the Chicago Botanic Garden and co-leader of the fung”locationArmenia“Host location of the United Nations biodiversity conference (COP17)”OrganizationPlantlife International“U.K.-based NGO where Cátia Canteiro works”PersonBernice Bancole“Plant pathologist from Benin who contributed to the strategy”OrganizationKunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework“International biodiversity framework where conservationists aim to integrate fun”locationRwanda“Country where mushroom cultivation eases pressure on wetland areas”PersonCannon“Writer for Mongabay”locationUganda“Country where mushroom cultivation provides household income”OrganizationChicago Botanic Garden“Institution where Greg Mueller serves as chief scientist emeritus”locationSouth Africa“Country where GreenHill Laboratories and the University of KwaZulu-Natal are loc”OrganizationUniversity of KwaZulu-Natal“Academic institution associated with Bernice Bancole”