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https://theconversation.com/fungi-are-among-the-planets-most-important-organisms-yet-theyre-overlooked-in-conservation-strategies-250483>
"Fungi are among the most important organisms on Earth. Even though most of the
world’s described 157,000 fungal species are only visible with a microscope,
these organisms are essential to our ecosystems, our societies and economies.
They break down organic matter and interact with all groups of organisms —
including other fungi. They’re key actors in forest carbon storage, nutrient
cycling, as well as plant growth and resistance to environmental stress.
Fungi are also important to human cultures — including as a source of food,
medicine and art. Economically, fungi also support a growing economy centred
around mycotourism — with a growing number of travellers visiting Canada and
Spain each year to forage for wild mushrooms.
All the benefits fungi provide to humans are estimated to be worth the
equivalent of US$54.57 trillion. This is why it’s an understatement to say that
the world’s ecosystems and human societies are shaped by fungi.
And yet fungi continue to be an important but overlooked element of
conservation strategies."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
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mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
