The Invisible 99%: Why Microbial Conservation is the Next Frontier in Biodiversity Protection

In a groundbreaking development for global conservation efforts, researchers have launched the first coordinated plan to protect microbial biodiversity, bringing attention to what scientists call the "invisible 99% of life" that drives essential Earth systems. This initiative represents a fundamental shift in conservation philosophy, moving beyond traditional focus on charismatic megafauna to recognize the critical importance of microscopic organisms that form the foundation of planetary health.

A New Era in Conservation Science

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has formally recognized this effort through the creation of the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group (MCSG) within its Species Survival Commission. Established in July 2025, this marks the first time global conservation efforts have officially extended to include microbial life. The group is co-chaired by Professor Jack Gilbert, President of Applied Microbiology International, and Raquel Peixoto from KAUST and ISME, bringing together expertise from microbiology, ecology, and traditional conservation science.

Why Microbial Biodiversity Matters

Microbes are central to virtually every Earth system, from soil fertility and carbon cycling to marine productivity and the health of plants and animals. Despite their fundamental importance, microbial communities have rarely appeared in conservation policy discussions. Professor Gilbert explains that overlooking microbial diversity weakens climate resilience, food security, and ecosystem restoration efforts. The MCSG aims to fill this critical gap by embedding microbiology directly into IUCN's conservation machinery, using established tools like Red List criteria and ecosystem assessments to make microbes visible in policy, not just in science.

Building a Global Framework

Over the past two years, founding members have assembled an international community of microbiologists, ecologists, legal experts, and Indigenous knowledge holders from more than 30 countries. This diverse coalition has created the first microbial conservation roadmap, outlining five core components of the IUCN Species Conservation Cycle adapted for microbial life. The framework includes developing Red List-compatible metrics for microbial communities, creating ethical frameworks for microbial interventions, piloting restoration projects using microbial solutions, building global networks, and launching public awareness campaigns.

Overcoming Scientific Challenges

Creating a conservation framework for microscopic life presents unique scientific and conceptual barriers. These challenges include determining what qualifies as a "microbial species" within traditional Red List criteria, integrating genomic information into systems originally developed for plants and animals, and addressing the misconception that microbes are too resilient to require protection. The dynamic nature of microbial communities and the ethical handling of microbial samples, including Indigenous or human-associated microbiota, require new definitions of conservation concepts like "loss" and "restoration."

Future Goals and Implementation

The group's upcoming goals are ambitious and time-bound, including developing the first Microbial Red List framework by 2027, creating global maps of microbial hotspots across different ecosystems, and testing conservation strategies such as microbial bioremediation and coral probiotics. A key priority is ensuring microbial indicators are incorporated alongside plants and animals in IUCN and UN biodiversity targets by 2030. The initiative has received early support from the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, along with in-kind support from Applied Microbiology International and ISME.

Conclusion: A Paradigm Shift in Conservation

The establishment of the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group represents more than just another conservation initiative—it marks a fundamental reframing of conservation philosophy. As Professor Gilbert notes, this shifts the focus from saving individual species to preserving the networks of invisible life that make visible life possible. This approach recognizes that protecting microbial biodiversity is essential for maintaining the planetary systems that support all life, from climate regulation to food production and human health. As this initiative moves forward, it promises to transform how we understand and practice conservation in the 21st century.