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The contribution of fungi to the global economy

Author

Listed:
  • Allen Grace T. Niego

    (MFU - Mae Fah Luang University [Thaïlande])

  • Christopher Lambert

    (Technische Universität Braunschweig = Technical University of Braunschweig [Braunschweig])

  • Peter Mortimer

    (KIB - Kunming Institute of Botany [CAS] - CAS - Chinese Academy of Sciences [Beijing])

  • Naritsada Thongklang

    (MFU - Mae Fah Luang University [Thaïlande])

  • Sylvie Rapior

    (CEFE - Centre d’Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - EPHE - École Pratique des Hautes Études - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - IRD [Occitanie] - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement - UM - Université de Montpellier)

  • Miriam Grosse

    (Technische Universität Braunschweig = Technical University of Braunschweig [Braunschweig])

  • Hedda Schrey

    (Technische Universität Braunschweig = Technical University of Braunschweig [Braunschweig])

  • Esteban Charria-Girón

    (Technische Universität Braunschweig = Technical University of Braunschweig [Braunschweig])

  • Arttapon Walker

    (MFU - Mae Fah Luang University [Thaïlande])

  • Kevin Hyde

    (MFU - Mae Fah Luang University [Thaïlande])

  • Marc Stadler

    (Technische Universität Braunschweig = Technical University of Braunschweig [Braunschweig])

Abstract

Fungi provide ecological and environmental services to humans, as well as health and nutritional benefits, and are vital to numerous industries. Fermented food and beverage products from fungi are circulating in the market, generating billions of USD. However, the highest potential monetary value of fungi is their role in blue carbon trading because of their ability to sequester large amounts of carbon in the soil. There are no conclusive estimates available on the global monetary value of fungi, primarily because there are limited data for extrapolation. This study outlines the contribution of fungi to the global economy and provides a first attempt at quantifying the global monetary value of fungi. Our estimate of USD 54.57 trillion provides a starting point that can be analysed and improved, highlighting the significance of fungi and providing an appreciation of their value. This paper identifies the different economically valuable products and services provided by fungi. By giving a monetary value to all important fungal products, services, and industrial applications underscores their significance in biodiversity and conservation. Furthermore, if the value of fungi is well established, they will be considered in future policies for effective ecosystem management.

Suggested Citation

  • Allen Grace T. Niego & Christopher Lambert & Peter Mortimer & Naritsada Thongklang & Sylvie Rapior & Miriam Grosse & Hedda Schrey & Esteban Charria-Girón & Arttapon Walker & Kevin Hyde & Marc Stadler, 2023. "The contribution of fungi to the global economy," Post-Print hal-04160963, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04160963
    DOI: 10.1007/s13225-023-00520-9
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04160963v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhen, Xudong & Wang, Yang & Liu, Daming, 2020. "Bio-butanol as a new generation of clean alternative fuel for SI (spark ignition) and CI (compression ignition) engines," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 147(P1), pages 2494-2521.
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    Cited by:

    1. Perez, Rolando Cruz & Flores, Nkwi & Astolfi, Maria & Espinoza, Ulises J. & Zimring, Teal Brown & Fox, Keolu, 2025. "Toward a healthy planet through fungal biotechnology and Indigenous futures thinking: an opinion paper," OSF Preprints qg2nk_v1, Center for Open Science.

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