The Hidden Heroes of Our Planet: Fungi and the Fight for Their Survival
Dr. Toby Kiers, a leading evolutionary biologist, has been awarded the prestigious Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for the Environment." Simultaneously, her non-profit organization, SPUN, is launching a new project called "Underground Advocates." This initiative aims to equip scientists with the legal tools necessary to protect the diverse world of fungi.
The Importance of Fungi
Fungi, often overlooked, play a crucial role in our planet's health. They contribute to:
- Carbon sequestration
- Soil regeneration
- Biodiversity
Without protection, scientists warn of potential ecosystem collapse, worsening climate change, and soil degradation. Kiers' work focuses on mycorrhizal networks, underground fungal networks that connect plants and help them share nutrients. These networks are vital for climate resilience and biodiversity.
The Underground Advocates Program
The Underground Advocates program is a joint effort with NYU Law's MOTH Program. It will train scientists to use legal and policy skills to protect fungal biodiversity in hotspots around the world. The program will utilize the Underground Atlas, a high-resolution digital map created by SPUN, to identify and protect these vital ecosystems.
Recognition and Impact
Kiers is the youngest female winner of the Tyler Prize. She will receive a $250,000 award at a ceremony in Amsterdam later this year. The prize recognizes her transformative research on the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in carbon flows, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
Fungi are responsible for drawing down about 13 billion tons of CO2 annually, roughly one-third of global fossil fuel emissions. Despite their importance, 90% of the most diverse underground fungal systems are unprotected. Kiers urges world leaders to recognize fungi as a "library of solutions" for planetary crises.
Putting Fungal Data into Action
The Underground Advocates program aims to put fungal data into action. It will help local scientists and communities incorporate their findings into legal and policy frameworks. The initiative is expected to generate at least five conservation initiatives led by underground advocates around the world.
