SPUN | Society for the Protection of Underground Networks

We desperately need data on underground fungi from underexplored areas in the Global South. But researchers of underground ecosystems in the Global South often face similar challenges hindering their research: 💰 Sequencing of samples is too expensive or impossible as there isn’t a facility available 🛣️ Infrastructure, permits and poor roads can make accessing sample locations difficult ⚠️ Unrest and political violence can make reaching the field dangerous 🧠 Knowledge gaps around bioinformatics and sequencing limiting the scope of their research 📈 Currency inflation and deflation affecting researchers’ ability to complete projects. SPUN has set up a program called Underground Explorers to support mycorrhizal fungi researchers in the Global South to produce data and enable wider participation in the field. Adriana Corrales, Director of SPUN’s Underground Explorers program, explains her learnings and proudest moments from running the program in our latest blog: https://bit.ly/3Nr1wtk Photos from Spun Underground Explorers: burenjargal otgonsuren, Evelin Yulisa Reyes Mendez, Valeria Reyes, Helbert Lim, Nourou Soulemane Yorou, Basile Houwannou

Our team has been having a great time at #COP16. Here Adriana Corrales explains the need for mycorrhizal fungi to be included in conservation goals. It is crucial that we do not neglect underground fungi in biodiversity and climate agendas -- they lie at the base of all life on Earth.

I have a fungal infection. Before you freak out – don’t worry, it’s not the kind you need a cream for. It’s an obsession. A fungal obsession. And honestly, it’s only getting worse. The more I dive into the world of fungi, the more I realize how these tiny organisms are quietly changing everything. They’re not just out there making mushrooms for your breakfast – fungi form vast underground networks that help plants grow, move carbon deep into the soil, and could even help tackle climate change. This week, I’m thrilled to announce a collaboration with the SPUN | Society for the Protection of Underground Networks (yes, SPUN – how great is that name?). We’re working to uncover the secrets of deep-soil fungi and figure out how to use them to store carbon where it belongs – underground. The solutions we need are already right under our feet – literally. Curious to learn more? Check out my latest article to see why you, too, might soon develop a bit of a fungal obsession... and maybe even learn to spell mycorrhiza: https://bit.ly/4f25lkz.

📣 Nature loss and the climate crisis are two sides of the same coin. Underground fungi face an uncertain future due to the climate crisis and habitat destruction. At the same time, healthy underground fungi play a critical role in controlling CO2 levels and supporting all life on Earth to flourish. 🍄🌳🦜 As world leaders discuss how to tackle the biodiversity crisis at COP16 in Colombia, we’re drawing attention to the critical role that fungi play in maintaining life on our planet, and the severe threats they face. Watch Jacob Ulzen, a biologist and researcher at the University of Ghana, explain how climate change affects underground fungi in Ghana. ⬇️ We urge all parties at COP16 to sign the pledge to prioritize the conservation of fungi. Learn more about the pledge in this recent Guardian article: https://lnkd.in/eenpQRuZ #PeaceWithNature #COP16Colombia

At #COP16? Our Chief Scientist Toby Kiers will be on this panel tomorrow alongside Giuliana Furci (Fungi Foundation), Merlin Sheldrake, César Rodríguez-Garavito & Carlos Andrés Baquero-Díaz (Moth New York University School of Law). Don't miss it!

Don't miss us at #COP16 Sunday - Tuesday👇

Are you attending #COP16? Make sure to stop by the Biodiversity Technology and Innovation Expo to visit our booth from October 27 - 29. We will be showcasing the technology we are using to map underground fungi, and explaining how mycorrhizal fungi are crucial to biodiversity and climate goals.

This is wonderful news from our collaborators in Kazakhstan!

This is a huge moment for fungi. Daniela De Lorenzo wrote this piece for Forbes about the push to prioritize fungal conservation at #COP16, and the amazing efforts of Fungi Foundation and Giuliana Furci to make this pledge from Chile and the UK happen. We are using machine-learning to document underground systems so that they can be protected, and we are at COP16 now to advocate for these invisible ecosystem engineers. https://lnkd.in/eatuSaVt

A potential turning point for fungi? Great piece in Forbes about how SPUN is using emerging ML technologies to document living, underground systems - and why this matters for fungal conservation. Proud to be quoted along side Giuliana Furci as she, and the Fungi Foundation, advocate for new fungal conservation status at #COP16. Countdown begins... Piece by Daniela De Lorenzo