BiodivHealth Final Conference

Karin Zaunberger from the European Commission’s DG Environment emphasised the critical link between biodiversity, ecosystem health, and human well-being. She highlighted the importance of sustainable land use practices, habitat conservation, and equitable access to genetic resources to prevent disease emergence and promote human health. She also stressed the need to implement the Global Action Plan on Biodiversity & Health to address the challenges posed by biodiversity loss and climate change.

Hans Keune from the University of Antwerp discussed the One Health approach, highlighting its complexity and the need for an integrated approach to human, animal, and ecosystem health. He identified challenges such as implementation, integration, and collaboration among experts. Initiatives like the Network for Ecohealth and One Health, the IPBES Nexus Assessment, and the BioNext Project are advancing this concept.

The following discussion underscored the importance of a holistic approach to health. Key points included the role of biodiversity, the need for transdisciplinary research, increased funding, and integrating nature-based solutions into public health strategies.

ANTIVERSA hypothesised that microbial diversity could prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and their genes. Their findings showed that higher biodiversity in soil was linked to lower levels of antibiotic resistance genes, which has significant implications for water reuse and sustainable agriculture.

DiMoC focused on the role of biodiversity in the emergence and transmission of infectious diseases. In their findings, climate change and habitat loss were shown to alter the distribution and abundance of vectors like mosquitoes. Understanding the interactions between biodiversity, climate, and human behaviour is crucial for predicting and mitigating disease outbreaks.

Dr. FOREST explored how forest biodiversity impacts human health and well-being. Key findings included that forest diversity mitigates heat stress, filters air pollutants, reduces tick infections, and improves mental health.

METRODIVER investigated the role of marine protected areas (MPAs) in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services. They found that MPAs can enhance fish biomass and nutrient export to surrounding areas. Biodiversity was also found to influence the nutritional quality of fish and the health of marine ecosystems. Understanding the interactions between different trophic levels is essential for effective marine conservation.

The discussion following the presentations covered a number of points, including:

• High Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) prevalence in regions like Latin America and Africa is linked to antibiotic availability and poor water treatment infrastructure.
• Stronger regulations are needed to address AMR, particularly regarding antibiotic prescribing and use.
• Biodiversity and Human Health: Forest biodiversity positively impacts physical and mental health. Perceived biodiversity can be as influential as actual biodiversity.
• Considering the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, the One Health approach is crucial for tackling global health challenges like AMR and emerging infectious diseases.
• Effective communication of complex scientific concepts to policymakers and the public is essential for implementing evidence-based policies and promoting sustainable practices.

NutriB2 focused on the nutritional needs of wild bees and the impact of landscape changes on their health. They found that different bee species have diverse nutritional requirements, and that landscape simplification can lead to nutritional deficiencies and reduced health in bees. The project emphasises the importance of public awareness and education about bee nutrition.

VOODOO investigated the transmission of viruses between honeybees and wild pollinators in various landscapes. They found that honeybees are the primary reservoir for viruses and that landscape management practices can influence viral transmission. The project highlighted the importance of diverse landscapes in reducing the risk of viral spillover.

SuppressSoil explored soil suppressiveness, a property that allows soil to resist pathogen and pest attacks. They identified microbial traits associated with suppressive soils and the importance of soil biodiversity. The project showed that soil suppressiveness can be influenced by management practices and global change factors.

FunProd focused on the relationship between functional diversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. They found that the functional diversity of ground beetles is linked to pest control services and highlighted the importance of considering functional diversity in agricultural management practices.

The following discussion covered a number of points, including:

• Landscape heterogeneity, with diverse floral resources and habitats, is essential for pollinator health and diversity.
• Urban areas can provide crucial habitats for pollinators, especially when they include diverse green spaces and gardens.
• Soil suppressiveness is influenced by factors like microbial communities and soil management practices.
• Functional diversity drives ecosystem services such as pest control and pollination.
• There is great value in funding synthesis projects like FunProd, which offers valuable insights into ecological relationships to inform sustainable management practices.

BIODIV-AFREID focused on the relationship between biodiversity and infectious diseases in Africa. It investigated the impact of human activities on wildlife populations and disease transmission, studying the diversity of viruses, including coronaviruses, in bats and rodents. The project emphasised the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaboration with local communities.

BioRodDis examined the role of urban and forest environments in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. It investigated the diversity of small mammals and their associated pathogens, exploring the impact of biodiversity on disease dynamics, including the dilution effect. The project highlighted the importance of public awareness and effective rodent control strategies.

The following discussion covered a number of points, including:

• Both projects stressed the importance of a One Health approach, recognising the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
• Biodiversity can have a complex role in disease transmission, sometimes diluting risk but also creating opportunities for new pathogens.
• Human activities, such as land use change and wildlife trade, can disrupt ecosystems and increase zoonotic disease risk.
• Effective public health strategies should consider ecological factors influencing disease transmission. Conservation efforts can help maintain biodiversity and reduce disease emergence risk.

Biodiversa+ synthesised findings from these projects to provide evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and the general public. The policy briefs focus on three key themes:

1. Landscape diversity: Diverse landscapes are crucial for human health and well-being, reducing infectious disease risk, improving air quality, and mitigating climate change effects. Effective landscape management can enhance these benefits.
2. Infectious diseases: Biodiversity influences the emergence and spread of infectious diseases. Zoonotic diseases from bats and rodents pose significant risks, but conservation and sustainable ecosystem management can help reduce outbreak risks.
3. Agricultural ecosystems: Biodiversity in agriculture is essential for ecosystem services like pollination and pest control. Sustainable practices can enhance biodiversity, boost agricultural resilience, and improve human health.

The panel discussion emphasised several key points:

• Ongoing interdisciplinary research and collaboration are crucial to understanding the complex relationships between biodiversity and health and developing effective solutions. The panel highlighted the importance of monitoring and integrated data, noting the need to include more small mammals and other overlooked species in these efforts.
• Encouraging collaboration between ecologists, public health experts, and policymakers is essential for effective implementation and translating scientific findings into policy and health management impacts. While the policy briefs are aligned with critical policy moments, such as the European Commission’s vision on agriculture and food, it was recommended to adjust content to appeal to a broader audience.
• Panellists also focused on operationalising the biodiversity-health nexus through partnerships and integrating biodiversity into health policies. They emphasised the need for prevention-driven health policies and called for integrating biodiversity into global health strategies to prevent future pandemics and health crises. Panellists also stressed the need to further integrate biodiversity into agriculture, urban planning, and public health.
• Promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use through policies like the Nature Restoration Law can enhance human health. The Nature Restoration Law is a significant step towards preserving biodiversity in Europe. However, some argued that prioritising conservation over restoration would be more effective. The law could also benefit from explicitly incorporating human health considerations, such as landscape planning for allergen reduction, microclimate regulation, and mental restoration.
• Failing to take action means worsening environmental and health issues and missing opportunities to prevent premature deaths and improve public health. Investing in prevention and early intervention is more cost-effective than responding to crises.

13:00 – END OF MEETING