An updated evaluation of Arab biodiversity action plans and reports with a focus on Fungi | ||||
| Microbial Biosystems | ||||
| Article 21, Volume 10, Issue 2, June 2025, Page 184-186 PDF (322.24 K) | ||||
| Document Type: Short Communication | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/mb.2025.430827 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Ahmed M. Abdel-Azeem 1, 2, 3; Lobna Hajji-Hedfi 4, 5
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| 1Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt | ||||
| 2Research Institute of University of the Bucharest, 90‑92 Sos. Panduri, 5th District, Bucharest, Romania. | ||||
| 3Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, Republic of South Africa. | ||||
| 4Regional Centre of Agricultural Research of Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa Road Km 6, B.P. 357, 9100 Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia | ||||
| 5Laboratory of Agricultural Production, Higher School of Agriculture Education of Mograne, Mograne, 1121 Zag‑Houane, Tunisia. | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Although they are fundamental parts of ecosystems, fungi are still much underrepresented in efforts at biodiversity protection and planning. With an eye toward the inclusion of fungi, this work offers an updated assessment of biodiversity action plans and national reports sent by Arab League members to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). Each document was evaluated for its reference to fungi, taxonomic clarity, strategic conservation efforts, coverage of fungal habitats and ecological roles, and awareness of knowledge gaps using a standardized five-point star rating system based on criteria developed by Abdel-Azeem and Minter (2011). Of the 22 member states, 12 got no stars, meaning no reference to fungus; five earned one star; one received two; and only Egypt got a three-star rating. Three nations had not turned in reports. The results draw attention to a general disregard of fungi in models of regional biodiversity. Suggestions are given to enhance the assessment mechanism and support more through inclusion of fungal diversity into next projects. This work emphasizes the need of raising knowledge, legal acceptance, and strategic integration of fungus in national and regional preservation programs. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Biodiversity assessment; ecological roles of fungi; fungal conservation; mycological evaluation; protected areas | ||||
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