CoRenewal

CoRenewal is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the United States, formerly known as the Amazon MycoRenewal Project. Its primary mission is to enhance ecosystem resilience, provide education, and conduct research in sustainable community development and ecological restoration.

Mission and Strategy

CoRenewal focuses on preserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters and environmental degradation. It engages in activities designed to support ecosystem health, evaluate environmental impacts on community well-being, and develop sustainable solutions for ecological regeneration[1][4].

Projects and Initiatives

CoRenewal is involved in several key projects:

• Post-Fire Biofiltration Initiative (PFBI): This initiative focuses on developing effective methods for filtering and mitigating toxic ash and debris runoff following wildfires. CoRenewal conducts research using fungal-inoculated wattles, such as Pleurotus species, to capture and filter ash, thus protecting waterways and ecosystems from contamination[1].

• Fire Ecology Network in X-Site Study (FENiXS): As part of its ongoing research, CoRenewal explores the effects of adding fungi or native microbial communities to post-wildfire sites. This study aims to understand how these restorative treatments vary across different environmental conditions and climates[1].

Approach to Ecosystem Remediation

The organization employs innovative techniques like mycoremediation, using organisms such as oyster mushrooms to break down complex chemicals and filter heavy metals. Mycowattles, a combination of straw tubes and mushroom mycelium, serve as barriers against erosion while absorbing toxic waste from waterways[2].

Partnerships and Funding

CoRenewal collaborates with various stakeholders and receives support from organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society to advance its research and projects. The organization aims to develop evidence-based remediation practices that can aid in restoring fire-affected ecosystems and enhance water retention in soils, potentially reducing future wildfire severity[1][2].