I think there is a reason for every species to exist on the earth, and some of the reasons we do not know yet. We don't know exactly how many species are out there. We know very little about what constitutes a harmonious environment and how species are interacting with each other. Unless we preserve these species, we may never have a chance to know. Some species have already disappeared before we learn what benefit they have for the environment and for human.
Conservation is a global issue.
It requires understanding and effort of different people and cultures. We should treat each other as equal humans, above and beyond gender issues and cultural issues, and work together to preserve the earth. My work does not directly address policies or strategies of conservation. It mainly contributes to our understanding of what fungal species are out there in a given ecosystem, in another word, really basic information. But the information is essential to effective, long-term conservation efforts.