Why the Microbiome

Advances in science now allow us to better understand, measure and harness the microbiome potential. By protecting and restoring microbiome health, we can foster prevention strategies, enhance food security, reduce environmental pressures and support long-term planetary resilience

The transversal nature of microbiomes closely aligns with the One Health approach as microbiomes act as biological links across different domains, for example, soil microbiomes influence crop resilience and nutritional value; plant and animal microbiomes affect productivity, health, and antimicrobial resistance; and human microbiomes are shaped by diet, environment, and agricultural practices. Moreover, strengthen innovation and capacity to promote microbiome-based solutions for targeted therapies is opening new perspectives for personalized and precise treatments.

That’s why at WMP, we stand to integrate microbiome knowledge into One Health policies and innovation.

Microbiomes are today recognised as key players in One Health. Present across all planetary environments and all living organisms – from ocean, soil, and plants to animals and humans – they are essential for regulating essential biological processes that sustain health and ecosystems.

Their metabolic activities participate to soil fertility, human and animal health, climate regulation, crop productivity and biodiversity preservation. For a long time underestimated, scientific advances have shown today, the close interlinkages between microbiomes and planetary heath. Understanding and empowering microbiome science is fundamental to addressing One health and sustainability challenges.

One Health approach, as defined by the Quadripartite (FAO/UNEP/WHO/WOAH), is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.