World Microbiome Day (27th June)
World Microbiome Day celebrates all things microbial (microorganism characteristics, including a bacterium that causes disease or fermentation)1 to highlight the importance of microbes across the world.
This year is the second World Microbiome Day ever celebrated, so international researchers aim to raise awareness of the diverse world of microbes.2
The importance of microbes
Microbes have a tremendous effect on the health and balance of the environments we live in.2 Microorganisms (e.g. bacteria, fungi, viruses, archaea, etc.) are found everywhere, in and on plants, animals, water, soil, food and humans.2
Microorganisms live together in communities within these habitats and are termed “microbiomes”.2 These microbiomes influence the health of humans and the entire plane, which is why scientists and HCPs are exploring the depth of how such microbiomes coexist with humans and the environment.2
The necessity of microbes:2
- Marine microbes produce most of the oxygen we breathe & absorb as much carbon dioxide as plants do on land.
- Soil microbes transform nitrogen gas (in the atmosphere) into soil that plants use to grow.
- Some microbes can break down methane gas, helping to slow climate change.
- Composting microbes in homes help recycle green waste (plants, vegetables, fruits) & recover nutrients to enrich the soil in gardens.
- Up to a third of the food we consume is produced by microbes.
- Microbes can extend the shelf-life of our foods & prevent food waste by fermenting foods at home.
- Microbes can even contribute to the circular economy by converting waste (e.g. food production waste) into fuel, providing sustainable opportunities for the food & feed production.
Microbiomes are actively contributing to clean environments, nourishing food systems and alleviating climate change, all while keeping humans healthy.2 In turn, microbes can even help us reach the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)!2
Preserving the long-term health and sustainability of our planet
The theme for World Microbiome Day 2021 is “sustainability” with a focus on how microbes can contribute to a sustainable future. World Microbiome Day 2021 raises awareness of the necessity and potential of microbiomes for a sustainable future.3
Participate in our World Microbiome Day webinar
Take part in Nestlé Nutrition Institute’s webinar to learn more about the various factors affecting microbiome balance and the health of children.
NNIA’s microbiome research
Nestlé Nutrition Institute Africa (NNIA) has a range of in-depth research and information on the human microbiome and its health.
Read more, here:
- Disease-Microbiome Associations And Healthy Ageing
- NNIW94 - Milk, Mucosal Immunity And The Microbiome: Impact On The Neonate
- Gut Microbiome Contribution To Health And Disease
- Languages.oup.com. 2021. Oxford Languages and Google - English | Oxford Languages. [online] Available at: https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/ [Accessed 21 June 2021].
- World Microbiome Day. 2021. About - World Microbiome Day. [online] Available at: https://worldmicrobiomeday.com/about/ [Accessed 21 June 2021].
- World Microbiome Day. 2021. Home - World Microbiome Day. [online] Available at: https://worldmicrobiomeday.com/ [Accessed 21 June 2021].
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