Biodiversity and Health

Biodiversity benefits human health and well-being in many ways.

From the quality of the air we breathe, the cooling of temperature in cities to the traditional and modern medicines we use to stay healthy, the food and nutrients our body needs, the quality of the water we drink, to the calming effect of birds singing, the modulation of the immune and brain function, and to the regulation of infectious diseases by minimizing their outbreak and spread.

Biodiversity influences how disease occurs, and can decrease their risk (e.g. a mosquito expanding its range because of climate change, or a zoonotic disease as the world recently experienced).

It is widely accepted that biodiversity plays a key role in ecosystem functioning and resilience, particularly relevant in the face of climate change. Natural processes are impaired as biodiversity declines. The (in)adequate management of biodiversity and the drivers behind its loss have shown to impact not only our health, but also our economies and societies.

In recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary research, this cross-thematic area addresses policy needs while exploring the multiple associations of biodiversity and human health, facilitate the information flow regarding data & indicators, identify knowledge gaps and emerging issues, as well as stimulate cross-sectoral collaboration. It is tackled according to 2 perspectives:

• Our life: Biodiversity to protect human health
• Our planet: Biodiversity in One health (human-animal-environment)