IUCN COMMISSION GROUP

IUCN SSC Fungi Conservation Committee

Group leadership

Dr Gregory MUELLER

Co-Chair

Gregory Mueller is Chief Scientist Emeritus at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He is also a Research Associate at Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago and an Adjunct Professor at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. He served as Negaunee Chief Scientist and V.P., Science at Chicago Botanic Garden for 14 years. Before joining the Garden, Dr Mueller worked for more than 23 years at The Field Museum as the curator of mycology in the Department of Botany.

Prof Nourou S. YOROU

Co-Chair

I completed my PhD thesis on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the thelephorales of tropical Africa. My Master's work focused on the diversity and productivity of Wild Edible Fungi (WEF) in protected areas in Benin. I have over 20 years' experience in the monograph, distribution, biomass measurement and phenology of edible ectomycorrhizal fungi in West Africa, with a particular interest in the conservation of useful species and their habitats. I am also focussing on the development of mushrooms-based strategies to improve the well-being of local people through the valorisation of edible fungi, but also how to use fungal resources to reduce gender inequalities and the financial empowerment of rural women. I authored and/or co-authored numerous scientific articles on WEF, the most notable books being (1) Guide des champignons comestibles du Bénin, and (2) Champignons comestibles d'Afrique de l'Ouest, that later has been published recently. I have also managed several projects on the monography and conservation of WEF. I am currently the coordinator of the ‘Fungal Conservation in Sub-Saharan Africa: conservation and livelihood implications’ project, funded by the Darwin Initiative for the coming three years (2023-2026).

I completed my PhD thesis on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the thelephorales of tropical Africa. My Master's work focused on the diversity and productivity of Wild Edible Fungi (WEF) in protected ...

More about the FunCC

The Fungal Conservation Committee functions as a focal point for information and coordination of fungal conservation needs and activities for the mycological, land management, and conservation communities.

VISION
A world where fungi and their habitats are highly valued and conserved to the benefit of the environment and society.

MISSION
To raise awareness of the importance of fungi and foster action to ensure their persistence and continued benefits to the environment and society.

Fungal Conservation Committee work

Build upon the growing awareness of the importance of fungi and the need to conserve them within IUCN, the conservation community, mycology, and the public at large.