Tropical Fungi and LULUCF: Synergies for Climate Mitigation Through Nature-Based Culture (NbC)
Fungi in tropical ecosystems remain an understudied yet critical component of climate change mitigation, particularly within the Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF) sector. This review highlights their dual role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by regulating carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxides (N2O) while enhancing long-term carbon sequestration. Mycorrhizal fungi are pivotal in maintaining soil integrity, facilitating nutrient cycling, and amplifying carbon storage capacity through symbiotic mechanisms. We synthesize how fungal symbiotic systems under LULUCF shape ecosystem networks and note that, in pristine ecosystems, these networks are resilient. We introduce the concept of Nature-based Culture (NbC) to describe symbiotic self-cultures sustaining ecosystem stability, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. Case studies demonstrate how the NbC concept is applied in reforestation strategies such as AeroHydro Culture (AHC), the Integrated Mangrove Sowing System (IMSS), and the 4N approach (No Plastic, No Burning, No Chemical Fertilizer, Native Species). These approaches leverage mycorrhizal networks to improve restoration outcomes in peatlands, mangroves, and semi-arid regions while minimizing land disturbance and chemical inputs. Therefore, by bridging fungal ecology with LULUCF policy, this review advocates for a paradigm shift in forest management that integrates fungal symbioses to strengthen carbon storage, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being.
Authors
- Sarjiya Antonius
- Sona Suhartana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2641-5282)
- Virni Budi Arifanti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6829-4055)
- Ricksy Prematuri
- Mitsuru Osaki (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0470-0533)
- Ulfah Karmila Sari (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6193-0469)
- Ahmad Faizal (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7797-2498)
- Tsuyoshi Kato (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5311-4966)
- Henti Hendalastuti Rachmat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4586-6820)
- Asep Hidayat (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3755-072X)
- Neo Endra Lelana (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8649-9997)
- Rinaldi Imanuddin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0252-7186)
- Maman Turjaman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4110-4335)
- Safinah Surya Hakim (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6172-0293)
- Retno Prayudyaningsih (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3604-5406)
- Tien Wahyuni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4646-9555)
- Wahyu Catur Adinugroho (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0687-5679)
- Sisva Silsigia
- Margaretta Christita (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3289-2379)
- Sri Suharti (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4037-5451)
- Said Fahmi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0840-5598)
- Asri Insiana Putri (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8901-7807)
- Kae Miyazawa
- Ragil Setio Budi Irianto (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7342-2875)
Institutions
- Bandung Institute of Technology (ID)
- Hokkaido University (JP)
- IPB University (ID)
- Center for Plant Conservation (US)
- Institut Teknologi Medan (ID)
- Institut Seni Budaya Indonesia Bandung (ID)
- National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (ID)
- The University of Tokyo (JP)
- Hasanuddin University (ID)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Climate
- Published
- 2025-10-02
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.3390/cli13100208
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Mycorrhizal Fungi and Plant Interactions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.75
Funders
- Japan International Cooperation Agency