Chapter 17: Biodiversity of Forest Fungi and Potential Applications Toward a Sustainable Ecosystem in Southeast Asia Region

Southeast Asia harbors an exceptional diversity of forest fungi, accounting for 23.86% of the world’s recorded fungal species, playing vital roles in ecosystem resilience, nutrient cycling, and forest productivity. However, the region faces accelerating deforestation, climate change, and land-use conversion, threatening fungal biodiversity and ecological functions. This chapter explores the diversity, ecological significance, and potential applications of forest fungi in ecosystem restoration, alternative food production, biotechnology, and climate change mitigation. Despite their critical contributions to forest health, fungi remain understudied and underrepresented in conservation policies, requiring harmonized databases and urgent scientific attention. The discussion highlights mycorrhizal symbiosis in forest regeneration, fungal-based bioremediation strategies, and emerging threats from forest diseases. Additionally, it underscores the need for strengthened conservation efforts, enhanced regional collaboration, and policy integration to harness the full potential of fungal resources for a sustainable ASEAN forest ecosystem.

DOI: 10.1007/978-981-95-2640-6_17