Dubai scientist pioneers global strategy to safeguard fungi at COP17 in Armenia

Last updated: October 22, 2026 | 18:50

Georgina Pereira, based at Terra, Expo City Dubai, joins scientists from 30 countries in developing a landmark framework for fungal conservation. Supplied

Dubai: A Dubai-based scientist has joined experts from 30 countries to develop the world's first global fungal conservation strategy, launched at COP17 in Armenia. The initiative aims to protect fungi, which play a vital role in ecosystems but have long been overlooked in conservation efforts.

Georgina Pereira, Species Survival Manager at the IUCN SSC Centre for Species Survival Fungi at Terra, Expo City Dubai, is among the international experts who co-authored the world's first Global Strategy for Fungal Conservation, launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17) in Armenia on October 21.

Her contribution brings a regional perspective to an international effort to address the longstanding omission of fungi from conservation…