Microbes, Microbiomes, and Biodiversity Conservation

Dr Kent Redford explores how microbes, long overlooked in conservation, are central to biodiversity and ecosystem health. His talk traces the changing idea of “nature”, the role of human management in saving it, and why microbes and microbiomes must be part of that story. Drawing on examples from restoration to synthetic biology, he highlights opportunities and dilemmas in weaving microbes into conservation practice, policy, and stewardship.