Abstract
AbstractRural areas particularly suffer from economic crises where they overlap with long‐term negative effects of climate change. Here, we introduce the concept of mycotourism by means of mushroom‐related industries in central‐northeastern Spain. We describe how this novel branch of eco‐tourism can help stabilize social and political structures. Likewise, we illuminate the potential of mycotourism to compensate for some losses related to widespread unemployment and summer drought, as well as to generate unexpectedly fruitful research opportunities. Focussing on Spain's emerging black truffle industry, we recommend a stronger involvement of natural sciences, conservation services, and management strategies in commercial endeavors. We emphasize the relevance of direct and indirect climatic impacts on ecological and societal systems as well as on economic markets. Moreover, we stress the importance of a vital science–policy interface at various scales, with immediate opportunities for sustainable landscape protection and the preservation of biological diversity.
Highlights
Rural areas suffer from economic crises where they overlap with long-term negative effects of climate change
Societies are vulnerable if negative effects of climate change coincide with the devastating impacts of economic crises in space and time (Carleton and Hsiang 2016)
The ongoing situation of intertwined direct and indirect climatic, economic, and political factors is alarming in many parts of the Mediterranean region (Kelley et al 2015)
Summary
Societies are vulnerable if negative effects of climate change coincide with the devastating impacts of economic crises in space and time (Carleton and Hsiang 2016). Mycotourism is defined as a specialized product of eco-tourism that attracts individuals across all demographics to harvesting in mushroom-rich forests, and by way of growing sectors of gastronomy and markets, as well as other socio-cultural activities and economic benefits (Latorre Minguell and Martınez-Pen~a 2016). We use this new branch of mycologicaloriented eco-tourism as a prime example to demonstrate how innovative research programs can, synergistically with other social programs, compensate some of the losses due to socioeconomic and climatic crises. The species’ belowground lifecycle, symbiotic interaction with host plants, and climate sensitivity are, despite recent scientific advances, still not fully understood (see references )
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
