United Nations Biodiversity has initiated a campaign urging the global community to incorporate the term “funga” alongside “flora and fauna” to emphasize the significance of fungi.
UN Biodiversity urged to use the word ‘Funga’
- According to UN Biodiversity “It is time for fungi to be recognised and protected on an equal footing with animals and plants in legal conservation frameworks.
- This is not the first time when a request has been made to include fungi along with flora and fauna.
- Earlier, the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the IUCN announced that it would use “mycologically inclusive” language in its internal and public-facing communications and to incorporate fungi in conservation strategies with rare and endangered plants and animals.
- There would be no life on Earth without fungi, the yeasts, molds and mushrooms as they are critical to decomposition and forest regeneration, mammalian digestion, carbon sequestration, the global nutrient cycle and antibiotic medication.
Fungi
- Fungi or fungus are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms or macroscopic organisms that belong to their own biological kingdom, distinct from plants, animals, and bacteria.
Characteristics
- Eukaryotic: Like plants, animals, and protists, fungi have complex, membrane-bound cell organelles and a true nucleus.
- Heterotrophic: Fungi are primarily decomposers or saprophytes, meaning they obtain nutrients by absorbing organic matter from their surroundings.
- Secrete Enzymes: Fungi secrete enzymes to break down complex organic compounds into simpler substances, which they can then absorb.
Benefits
Nutrient Cycling
- Fungi can convert nutrients to make them accessible to plants, acting as decomposers by breaking down organic matter, thereby enhancing nutrient cycling and soil fertility.
Carbon Cycling and Climate regulation
- Fungi play a vital role in soil carbon storage by participating in the carbon cycle. They decompose organic matter, cycling carbon from dead plants, and form symbiotic relationships with plant roots.
- Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, aiding in nutrient uptake.
Fungi as Food
- It has numerous beneficial applications. Yeasts, for instance, are used in baking and brewing. Fungi also produce antibiotics like penicillin.
- Some fungi, like mushrooms and truffles, are edible and prized in cuisine. Others, like molds, are used in cheese production.
Environmental Protection
- Fungi have been found to help degrade various pollutants from the environment, such as plastic and other petroleum-based products, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, and oil.