Fungi and Plants are two different Kingdoms of life, each at the same level as Animals. Both can be found on every continent and in freshwater, marine and terrestrial habitats. Life as we know it wouldn’t be possible without fungi and plants. Their role in our world is immense. They provide us with food and medicine. We build our houses with them. As decomposers, they help keep our planet clean.
Nearly 400,000 plant species and 150,000 fungi species have been described by science, but scientists describe thousands of new species every year, and the total number could surpass four million! Many of these species are considered at high risk of extinction due to habitat destruction and degredation, pollution, climate change and unsustainable use. Plant and fungi conservation plays an important role in the health of our planet.
Plants and fungi have been the focus of Cátia Canteiro’s career for more than 10 years, beginning with conservation planning and action, including environmental impact assessments, monitoring studies and the restoration of temporary ponds. She previously worked at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London, where she assessed the extinction risk of more than 500 species for the IUCN Red List.