In an exciting new development, we’re pleased to announce the Fungi Foundation as our key conservation partner, to promote the importance of fungi conservation initiatives globally. This collaboration aims to bring greater awareness to the vital role fungi play in our ecosystems and support efforts to preserve these often-overlooked organisms.
Marasmius nothomyrciae, Carolina Magnasco
History and Vision of the Fungi Foundation
Founded in 2012 by field mycologist Giuliana Furci, the foundation stands as the first NGO in the world focused entirely on fungi. The foundation was established with the vision of advancing the understanding and appreciation of fungi, highlighting their ecological significance, and advocating for their inclusion in conservation efforts worldwide. The foundation's mission is to ensure fungi and their broader realm, funga, receive the same level of attention and protection as flora and fauna, recognizing that fungi are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Key Resources
As part of this new partnership, MycoStories will help to promote the ongoing work of the Fungi Foundation, starting with three key resources, each designed to support and educate organizations and individuals about fungi conservation.
1. Funga Tool Kit
The Fungi Foundation's Funga Tool Kit is a comprehensive resource created as part of the 3F Initiative – Flora, Fauna, Funga. This toolkit provides clear guidelines and practical steps to help organizations incorporate fungi into their terminology and practices. It includes a detailed summary of the pivotal role fungi play in ecosystems and conservation efforts, empowering organizations to acknowledge and integrate fungi into their environmental strategies. By utilizing the Funga Tool Kit, organizations can better understand how to contribute to fungal conservation and recognize fungi as an essential component of biodiversity.
Watch ‘Flora, Fauna, Funga’, National Geographic’s short film about the 3F Initiative and the work of the Fungi Foundation
2. Free Mycology Curriculum
Education is a cornerstone of the foundation’s work. In collaboration with Fantastic Fungi and Reconsider, they’ve created a Free Mycological Curriculum—available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. The curriculum, along with many other educational resources for teachers and educators, aims to include fungi in classrooms and deepen students’ understanding of the interconnected ways in which fungi live and thrive throughout our world. They also organize workshops and training sessions for educators to teach them how to use these materials.
3. Ethnomycology Ethical Guidelines
The Fungi Foundation's Ethnomycology Ethical Guidelines serve as a guiding tool for conducting research and projects with Indigenous Peoples, traditional societies, and local communities. These guidelines provide a framework for ethical decision-making and conduct, ensuring that mycological research respects the knowledge, rights, and traditions of these communities. By adhering to these guidelines, researchers and organizations can foster respectful and collaborative relationships, promoting ethical practices in the study and conservation of fungi.
Watch their documentary “Fungal Elders” to discover the wonders of ancestral fungal knowledge.
Amanita galactica, Giuliana Furci
Promoting All Aspects of Fungi Conservation
By leveraging the resources and expertise of the Fungi Foundation, MycoStories aims to raise awareness about the critical role fungi play in ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them.
We’ll aim to cover the following topics through regular publications:
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function: Fungi's role in nutrient cycling, soil health, and symbiotic relationships.
Endangered Fungi Species: Identification, protection, and monitoring of rare and threatened fungi.
Habitat Protection: Importance of preserving forests, wetlands, and specific habitats for fungal diversity.
Climate Change Impact: Effects on fungal distribution, adaptation strategies, and role in carbon sequestration.
Fungal Conservation Policy and Legislation: Inclusion of fungi in conservation policies and legal protection.
Ethnomycology and Traditional Knowledge: Integrating Indigenous knowledge and ethical research practices.
Education and Public Awareness: Programs, curricula, and citizen science to promote fungi conservation.
Research and Scientific Studies: Advancing mycological research, taxonomy, and interdisciplinary approaches.
Schizophyllum commune, Carolina Magnasco
This collaboration will help to empower more organizations and individuals to take meaningful action in support of fungi conservation, contributing to the broader effort to preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems. This partnership underscores the importance of fungi conservation and aims to inspire greater appreciation and protection of fungi worldwide.