Global fungal conservation strategy launched at COP17
The story at a glance
The Global Fungal Conservation Strategy was launched at COP17 in Yerevan on 21 October 2026. Its organisers describe it as the first dedicated global framework for integrating fungi into conservation efforts. 12
It sets out voluntary actions to help countries include fungi in national biodiversity plans. The available reporting does not show that governments have adopted the guidance or that it has yet produced conservation results. 12
What you need to know
- The strategy is intended to give fungi a clearer place in conservation policy and planning. Its organisers present it as a framework for integrating fungi into existing efforts, rather than as a new set of binding requirements. 123
- The proposed actions are designed to help countries include fungi in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. The organisers say the actions can contribute to 12 targets under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework without creating new commitments or reporting obligations. 1
- Priorities described in reporting include research, protecting rare species, restoration and sustainable use. These are presented as areas for action, not as completed interventions or demonstrated outcomes. 2
- A significant evidence gap remains: conservation-status data are limited for most known fungal species, according to Mongabay. This limits what can currently be established about their conservation status. 2
- The organisers report endorsements from more than 50 organisations in 30 countries. The endorsement list clarifies that these do not bring financial or resource commitments, reporting obligations or responsibility for the strategy’s content. 14
Why this matters
A dedicated framework gives conservation planners a route to consider fungi within existing biodiversity plans. Whether that greater visibility translates into action will depend on uptake and implementation, which the sources do not yet document. 123
What happens next
The key questions are whether governments will incorporate the guidance into national plans, and what resources, monitoring and accountability will support implementation. The available sources do not specify a timetable or establish how results will be assessed. 12
What we know
What we don't know
- Which governments, if any, will incorporate the guidance into their national plans, or when they might do so. 2
- What resources and accountability arrangements will support implementation. 2
- Whether the strategy will lead to measurable improvements in fungal research, species protection or habitat management. 2
Read the reporting
This WildNews briefing synthesises and summarises reporting from the sources below. WildNews did not produce the original reporting. Learn more about how we use AI
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