Dubai opens world's first fungi conservation centre in 'global step forward'
Dubai has opened the world's first conservation centre dedicated exclusively to fungi. This initiative, a significant step for global biodiversity, was established in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The new Centre for Species Survival officially opened on Tuesday at Terra in Expo City Dubai, marking both a regional and global milestone.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Marjan Faraidooni, Chief of Education and Culture at Expo City Dubai, explained the motivation behind the initiative. "There are many species survival centres around the world, but there hasn't been one in the Middle East. Because Terra is committed to conservation and research, and we realised nobody was focusing on fungi, we wanted to set up the centre with the IUCN," she said.
"This is a global step forward that aligns with the UAE's environmental values and its commitment to biodiversity. Through this centre, we're raising awareness about ecosystems and their role in addressing global issues like climate change and biodiversity loss," she added. "We're very proud to be the first in the Emirates because we believe in the mission and the impact it can bring."
Faraidooni emphasised that fungi are not only adaptable but essential to life across varied environments, including the UAE's deserts. "The beautiful thing about fungi is that they grow in places you can't imagine. They're resilient, and they thrive when the environment is right—whether in the Amazon or beneath our desert sands. We used to harvest truffles here, known locally as 'Fagaa,' which were used for both food and medicine. That tells us fungi have always been a part of our heritage," she said.
The centre will initially focus on fungi native to the region, launching Red List assessments to evaluate extinction risk. "There are currently 1,300 fungi on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, so there is a lot to do to document and understand their threats to guide policy and action," Faraidooni added.
What is mycelium?
During the launch, experts from IUCN and the broader mycology community emphasised the pivotal role of fungi in ecological systems. Although often overlooked in conservation efforts, fungi play a crucial role in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and plant health. Underground fungal networks, known as mycelium, help trees communicate, share nutrients, and protect ecosystems from invasive species, acting as silent engineers of the natural world.
Beyond ecology, speakers at the event highlighted the innovative potential of fungi in sustainability and design. Mycelium-based construction materials are being developed as biodegradable, modular building components.
Mycelium-based construction materials have been utilised in a project that created a fully circular pavilion. This pavilion, made from locally sourced mycelium, was designed to be dismantled and reused for coral reef restoration. Another concept involved modular refugee shelters made from agricultural waste—these structures are low-cost, easy to assemble, and environmentally friendly.
Events to foster awareness
In the UAE context, fungi such as truffles and other desert fungi species are part of both ecological and cultural landscapes. Traditionally foraged after desert rains, these species have been used in medicine and are emblematic of the deep relationship between people and their environment.
The centre also aims to engage local communities through education and cultural programming, with a focus on ethno-mycology—studying how people have historically interacted with fungi. Upcoming public exhibitions, school partnerships, and citizen science walks are planned to foster greater awareness.
The centre is not just for scientists, it's for chefs, farmers, artists, teachers, and families.
People are invited to step into Terra's "Under the Forest" exhibit for interactive experiences that showcase the impact of fungi on the ecosystem.
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