From the ocean to your gut: discover the microorganisms that drive the world and why industrialization threatens their survival
In a world struggling to save coral reefs and endangered species, a new scientific priority has emerged this February 2026 : microbial conservation . The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has just launched a group of specialists with a clear premise: “Without microbes, there is no conservation
The invisible heroes of Earth
Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) are not just germs; they are the architects of life.
- Oxygen Producers: Bacteria such as Prochlorococcus produce more oxygen than all the forests in the world combined.
- Soil Shields: In deserts, the cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus acts as a biological glue that prevents dust storms and desertification.
- Guardians of your health: Your body is home to 30 trillion microbial cells that regulate everything from your digestion to your mental health.
The 5 species that “move” our world
The new IUCN commission highlights five examples of vital microbes that are now under threat from climate change and pollution:
- Prochlorococcus: The lung of the open ocean.
- Zooxanthellae: The algae that give color and energy to coral reefs.
- Microcoleus vaginatus: The protector of arid soils.
- Human Microbiome: The internal pharmacy we lose due to ultra-processed diets.
- Actinomycetes: The natural manufacturers of antibiotics and recyclers of soil nutrients.
The rescue plan: Biobanks and Probiotics
To address the decline of this invisible biodiversity, scientists propose bold measures:
Microscopic Noah's Arks: Creating biobanks (like the Svalbard Seed Vault) to preserve essential microbial strains.
Organic Probiotics: Applying beneficial bacteria to corals or damaged soils to help them withstand heat and drought
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