Global biodiversity loss and mass extinction of species are two of the most critical environmental issues the world is currently facing, resulting in the disruption of various ecosystems central to environmental functions and human health. Microbiome-targeted interventions, such as probiotics and microbiome transplants, are emerging as potential options to reverse deterioration of biodiversity and increase the resilience of wildlife and ecosystems. However, the implementation of these interventions is urgently needed. We summarize the current concepts, bottlenecks and ethical aspects encompassing the careful and responsible management of ecosystem resources using the microbiome (termed microbiome stewardship) to rehabilitate organisms and ecosystem functions. We propose a real-world application framework to guide environmental and wildlife probiotic applications. This framework details steps that must be taken in the upscaling process while weighing risks against the high toll of inaction. In doing so, we draw parallels with other aspects of contemporary science moving swiftly in the face of urgent global challenges.

全球生物多样性丧失和物种大规模灭绝是世界目前面临的两个最关键的环境问题，导致对环境功能和人类健康至关重要的各种生态系统的破坏。以微生物组为目标的干预措施，如益生菌和微生物组移植，正在成为扭转生物多样性退化和提高野生动物和生态系统恢复力的潜在选择。但是，迫切需要实施这些干预措施。我们总结了当前的概念、瓶颈和伦理方面，包括使用微生物组（称为微生物组管理）对生态系统资源进行谨慎和负责任的管理，以恢复生物体和生态系统功能。我们提出了一个真实世界的应用框架来指导环境和野生动物益生菌的应用。该框架详细说明了升级过程中必须采取的步骤，同时权衡风险与不作为的高代价。在这样做的过程中，我们将当代科学的其他方面与面对紧迫的全球挑战迅速发展的其他方面相提并论。