Abstract: The article presents the comprehensive position of the Scientific Body CITES of the Russian Federation (FSBI VNII Ekologiya) on the potential inclusion of fungi in annexes to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The analysis was carried out in the context of Decision 20.247 of the Conference of the Parties (COP20), which initiated the collection of information on the technical, scientific capacity and staffing aspects of the management of fungal taxa. The expediency of considering issues related to fungi within the framework of the CITES Committee on Plants with the involvement of specialized mycological experts is justified, despite the biological isolation of the Fungi kingdom. Key gaps in the technical and scientific potential of the Parties were identified, including difficulties in morphological and molecular identification of samples in trade, dynamic nomenclature, lack of adapted methods for obtaining non-harm findings (NDF), and uncertainty in the application of origin codes. The legal status of fungi in the Russian Federation is analyzed, where they are allocated in a separate section of the Red Book but are protected in a unified legal regime similar to that of plant protection. Measures are proposed to build the capacity of the Scientific and Administrative Bodies of CITES, including the development of molecular genetic diagnostics, the creation of reference databases, the development of specialized manuals, and strengthening interagency coordination. Particular attention is paid to the need for a proportionate, step-by-step approach to the implementation of future mushroom lists, based on current scientific evidence, resource efficiency and compliance with CITES procedural requirements, without the need for structural reform of the Convention.

Keywords: fungi, Fungi, CITES, Scientific Body, species identification, non-harm findings (NDF), trade regulation, biodiversity protection, international trade, Russian Federation

For citation: Alekseeva A. A. Position of the CITES Scientific Body of the Russian Federation – FSBI "VNII Ecology" on the regulation of trade in mushrooms within the framework of the CITES Convention // Environment protection and nature reserve management. 2026. Vol. 7. No. 2. P. 9–19.