Invisible Majority: Why Microbes Deserve Global Conservation
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Resources & Recommendations
Organizations & Institutions
- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) - This organization is leading the newly formed microbial conservation specialist group, highlighting its role in global conservation efforts.
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography - Dr. Jack Gilbert is a microbial ecologist at this institution, which is involved in the research and leadership of microbial conservation.
People Mentioned
- Dr. Jack Gilbert (Microbial Ecologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Co-lead of the IUCN's Microbial Conservation Specialist Group) - He is the central figure in the discussion, advocating for microbial conservation and explaining its importance.
- E.O. Wilson - Mentioned for his concept of "biophilia," which suggests that humans have an innate tendency to connect with nature, drawing a parallel to the motivation behind conserving microbes.
Other Resources
- Svalbard Global Seed Vault - This seed bank is referenced as an example of an existing conservation strategy for plants, drawing a parallel to the proposed "microbiota vault" for microbes.
- Microbiota Vault - This concept is introduced as a strategy to preserve the world's microbial collections, similar to seed banks for plants.