In the process, they’ve made pioneering discoveries that have demonstrated significant gaps in the conservation of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity. SPUN’s research brought together an incredible dataset of more than 40,000 samples and 95,000 mycorrhizal fungal taxa. It shows that an overwhelming 90% of mycorrhizal fungal biodiversity hotspots lie outside of protected areas. This crucial data is now accessible through an innovative interactive tool called the Underground Atlas, which allows users to explore mycorrhizal diversity patterns anywhere on Earth.
SPUN was originally launched in 2021 by mycologist Dr. Through this initiative, we hope to empower decision-makers with useful resources to strengthen conservation priorities. SPUN continues to grow its global network of over 400 scientists and 96 “Underground Explorers” in 79 countries. Together, they work to fill the gaps in our understanding of these essential organisms. To help navigate this important work, DCAV is supported by a team of highly distinguished advisors. Among them conservationist Jane Goodall, authors Michael Pollan and Paul Hawken.
Understanding Mycorrhizal Fungal Importance
It’s important to understand that mycorrhizal fungi are key contributors to stabilizing our ecosystems and climate on the planet. These networks create complicated underground webs that help move nutrients between plants and soil. These fungi are an essential ally in our fight against climate change, pulling more than 13 billion tons of carbon dioxide into soils annually. Since 2020, this contribution has been about one-third of all global emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
Yet, as evidenced by the recent high-profile findings, only 9.5% of these critical biodiversity hotspots are currently contained within established protected areas. This troubling statistic highlights the urgent imperative for more effective conservation efforts. The combined implications of this research could re-focus conservation priorities and funding toward areas that have been largely […]
The Underground Atlas: A Tool for Exploration
As a guide to mycorrhizal diversity, the Underground Atlas is a remarkable step forward. SPUN utilized machine learning techniques on a dataset of over 2.8 billion fungal sequences sampled from 130 countries to create high-resolution diversity maps. These models make very fine-scale predictions of mycorrhizal diversity down to 1 km 2. They offer unprecedented insights into fungal distribution across the globe.
Despite all this encouraging data, it shows that just 0.001% of Earth’s surface has been thoroughly sampled. This limitation highlights both the potential for further research and the urgency in addressing the conservation challenges that lie ahead. SPUN is deeply committed to bringing conservationists, researchers, and restoration groups into the process of working with the Underground Atlas. Looking forward to making even more improvements based on their feedback!
Regional Highlights and Conservation Gaps
SPUN’s research has led to an exciting discovery. With 50% of the world’s coastline, the Ghanaian coast presents itself as a global hotspot of mycorrhizal biodiversity. Coastal erosion is a growing threat to this irreplaceable landscape. It rips through the coastline at an accelerating rate of up to 2 meters per year. These environmental changes threaten not only the local fungal communities, but the wider ecosystem services fungi provide.
SPUN is joining forces with these organizations and initiatives, including GlobalFungi and the Global Soil Mycobiome consortium. Collectively, they are addressing these urgent challenges head-on. As a project, SPUN directly engages with scientists, government officials, and the general public to promote awareness of mycorrhizal fungi. In addition to their research, they push for more protective measures for these frequently marginalized organisms.