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. This honor is often called the "Nobel Prize for the Environment. " At the same time, her non-profit organization, SPUN, is launching a new project called "Underground Advocates. " This project aims to give scientists the legal tools they need to protect the diverse world of fungi. Fungi are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in our planet's health. They help with carbon sequestration, soil regeneration, and biodiversity. Without protection, scientists warn that ecosystems could collapse, climate change could worsen, and soils could degrade. Kiers' work focuses on mycorrhizal networks, which are underground fungal networks that connect plants and help them share nutrients. These networks are vital for climate resilience and biodiversity. 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 use the Underground Atlas, a high-resolution digital map created by SPUN, to identify and protect these vital ecosystems.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. 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.