Open AccessNew scientific discoveries: Plants and fungi
Author(s) -
Cheek Martin,
Nic Lughadha Eimear,
Kirk Paul,
Lindon Heather,
Carretero Julia,
Looney Brian,
Douglas Brian,
Haelewaters Danny,
Gaya Ester,
Llewellyn Theo,
Ainsworth A. Martyn,
Gafforov Yusufjon,
Hyde Kevin,
Crous Pedro,
Hughes Mark,
Walker Barnaby E.,
Campostrini Forzza Rafaela,
Wong Khoon Meng,
Niskanen Tuula
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
plants, people, planet
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2572-2611
DOI - 10.1002/ppp3.10148
Subject(s) - iucn red list , threatened species , taxon , biodiversity , ecology , biology , geography , extinction (optical mineralogy) , global biodiversity , habitat , paleontology
Research and publication of the planet's remaining plant and fungal species as yet unknown to science is essential if we are to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 “Life on Land” which includes the protection of terrestrial ecosystems and halting of biodiversity loss. If species are not known to science, they cannot be assessed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species and so the possibility to protect them from extinction is reduced. Furthermore, until species are known to science they cannot be fully scientifically evaluated for their potential as new foods, medicines, and products which would help address SDGs 1,2,3, and 8.