WILLAGRI
The One Health Global Microbiome Summit , held in Paris on June 20, 2025, aimed to integrate microbiomes into public health, animal, agricultural and environmental policies. Microbiomes, once perceived as threats, are now recognized for their crucial role in human and ecological health. The summit, co-hosted by the INRAE, highlighted the importance of the microbiome in a One Health approach, highlighting its potential for personalized medicine and innovation in various fields. Working groups have identified needs to strengthen international cooperation and harmonize regulations. France, through INRAE, is actively involved in this transition, supported by several international initiatives. Microbiomes play a critical role in human and ecological health, contributing to digestion, immunity, and ecosystem balance. Working groups have been formed to strengthen scientific coordination and propose concrete solutions. A joint declaration was adopted to recognise microbiomes as essential in the One Health approach.
Microbiomes, which refer to all the microorganisms present in a specific environment (such as the human body, soils or ecosystems), play a crucial role in overall health and ecological balance. Here’s how they influence these two areas:
- Human Health
- Digestion and metabolism: The gut microbiota helps in the breakdown of food, promoting nutrient absorption. An imbalance in these microorganisms can lead to digestive disorders and pathologies such as diabetes or obesity.
- Immunity: Microbiomes help regulate the immune system, helping to protect the body from infections and inflammatory diseases.
- Chronic diseases : Studies show that imbalances in the microbiome can be linked to chronic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and neurological disorders.
- Ecosystems and Environment
- Soil fertility: Microorganisms in the soil play a key role in breaking down organic matter, which enriches the soil with nutrients and promotes plant growth.
- Climate regulation: Some microbiomes, especially those in the oceans, contribute to climate regulation by influencing the carbon and nitrogen cycles.
- Biodiversity: Microbiomes support biodiversity by creating conditions for the life of other species, both plant and animal.
The One Health concept emphasizes the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health. Microbiomes are at the heart of this approach, as their balance is essential to prevent emerging diseases and maintain healthy ecosystems. The recognition of the role of microbiomes in overall health encourages the development of integrated policies that take microbiome health into account in public health, agriculture and environmental protection strategies.
Source: INRAE