In the intricate tapestry of life on Earth, fungi have long been overlooked as a mere footnote to the more prominent kingdoms of flora and fauna. However, a growing movement led by mycologists like Giuliana Furci, a Harvard University associate and National Geographic Explorer, is seeking to change this perception by advocating for the recognition of fungi as a separate kingdom, dubbed "funga."
The case for fungi's inclusion as a distinct kingdom is compelling. For over 400 million years, mycorrhizal fungi have played a crucial role in helping plants colonize the Earth's land by forming symbiotic relationships with them. Fungi live within the root systems of most plants, metabolizing sugar from photosynthesis while helping them access water and essential nutrients. This ancient partnership has been instrumental in shaping the world as we know it today.
The diversity of fungi is staggering, with an estimated five million species, of which only about 10% have been documented. From the common yeast used in fermentation to the deadly Amanita phalloides mushroom, fungi exhibit a wide range of characteristics and functions. They are ubiquitous, found in the air, water, and even on and within our bodies, yet their critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance is only beginning to be understood.
Furci's passion for fungi was ignited during a research trip in Chile when she encountered a striking orange mushroom and discovered the lack of mycology programs and field guides in the country. Since then, she has been documenting Chile's native fungi and advocating for their inclusion in conservation policies. Her efforts, along with those of other prominent mycologists like Paul Stamets and Merlin Sheldrake, have helped to raise awareness about the importance of fungi in the natural world.
The push for the recognition of funga is gaining traction among international policy gatekeepers, such as Mexico's Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources, the National Biobank of Thailand, and Italy's Institute for Environmental Protection and Research. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and the National Geographic Society have also embraced the concept, with the latter adding funga to its definition of "wildlife" to encourage grant applications and opportunities for future Explorers in this field.
The potential applications of fungi are vast and far-reaching. From providing insight into how invasive species may help us navigate a warming and changing world to understanding the complex "mycobiome" of bodily-based fungi that could shed light on the spread and treatment of diseases like cancer, the study of fungi holds immense promise. Additionally, mycelium, the vegetative part of fungi, is being explored as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fashion materials.
As we stand on the brink of a new era in our understanding of the natural world, it is clear that the future is intertwined with funga. By recognizing the importance of fungi and investing in their research and conservation, we can unlock the secrets they hold and harness their potential to help us address some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet. The time has come to embrace the hidden world of fungi and to acknowledge their rightful place as a vital component of Earth's biosphere.
