What's in a name?
We're building a playbook that makes conservation accessible through coexistence with nature
I used to be one of those people who actively avoided fungi. For years, I had been taught that all they did was decompose and that they were extremely toxic. I wasn't the only one to feel this way, and as it turns out, there is even a term for this fear - Mycophobia. It was coined in the 16th century and has been present ever since. However, my perception of fungi changed when I started to learn about their true potential.
Fungi, unlike most organisms, generate strong and contrasting feelings in people. I found it very interesting that an organism like fungi could be perceived in such a negative way, thanks to the cultural misrepresentation of its true potential. When Nishanth expressed the idea of naming our organization Mycelium Ecology, it was a natural choice for me. I believe that our understanding and access to nature is often misrepresented, similar to the network ecosystem of fungi, aka mycelium.
It is hard to believe, but without fungi to help in decomposition, our forests would very quickly get buried under a huge pile of dead plant matter. We are now starting to understand that these mycelium networks play an essential role in releasing nutrients that the plants on the forest floors depend on for their growth by breaking down dead, organic matter. It's fascinating to learn about how these organisms function and how much we rely on them.
One fascinating fact I read recently in a research paper is that millions of tons (~50 megatonnes) of fungal spores are dispersed in the atmosphere each year, and these spores, along with plant spores and pollen grains, can act as nuclei for the condensation of water in clouds. It was also discovered that basidiospores, which are released by mushrooms, form a significant proportion of these aerosols, particularly above tropical forests.
This research has heightened interest in the global significance of fungi and raises additional concerns about the sustainability of forests that depend on heavy precipitation. Without the presence of fungi, the water cycle could be disrupted, and ecosystems could suffer.
At Mycelium Ecology, we draw inspiration from these fascinating organisms to build a unique narrative for biodiversity conservation. Our approach is to build a playbook that makes conservation accessible through coexistence with nature.
We want to create community projects that provide spaces for individuals interested in experiencing life in its most fundamental form. We also want to co-create spaces and habitats for future generations to stay connected to nature and encounter healthy, mindful, and real experiences.
Our intention is to conserve small land parcels within the western ghats from the imminent threats of deforestation while creating an active and growing community of professionals, creators, and learners. We believe that by doing so, we can help to create a world that is in harmony with nature, where people can thrive alongside the environment.
In my experience, being a part of Mycelium Ecology has allowed me to reconnect with nature in ways that I never thought were possible. Through our community projects and initiatives, I've had the opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of the natural world, and it's been a transformative experience for me.
I believe that fungi have been misunderstood for far too long. They are an essential part of the natural world, and we rely on them in more ways than we can imagine. By building a deeper understanding of these fascinating organisms, we can create a more sustainable future and a world that is in harmony with nature. At Mycelium Ecology, we're committed to doing our part to make this a reality.
Story by: Vinod Chandramouli
Best wishes guys !
I love your concept and am eager to learn and live in the world of mycelium. I have a half acre of woodland and scrub in northwest England and am trying to investigate what fungi is already here and what I can provide a habitat for.