Biodiversity and health | Knowledge for policy

Biodiversity Knowledge Centre

Brief me

Have you ever wondered:

How does biodiversity promote human health? Do EU policies reflect this connection?
What other policy areas are relevant for biodiversity and health?
How do pollution, food systems and climate change affect biodiversity and health? Do EU policies in these areas promote biodiversity and health?
How are the fields of medicine, disease prevention and human wellbeing connected to biodiversity? Do EU policies reflect this connection?

Find out by navigating our sections under "Explore further" below!

Download full report (December 2023)

Topic version 2.1 (Last updated: 28/04/2022)

Explore further

Brief me on biodiversity and health

Biodiversity is fundamental to human health. It underpins ecosystem functioning, providing goods and services that ensure our health and wellbeing. It improves the quality of the air we…

EU action on biodiversity and health

EU policies and projects relevant for biodiversity and health

Publications relevant to biodiversity and health

This is a partial list of EU, UN and other publications relevant for biodiversity and health.

Resources on biodiversity and health

This is a partial list of useful resources on biodiversity and health.

News and events on biodiversity and health

Latest knowledge

NEWS | 11 May 2026

New law strengthening water protection in EU enters into force

The new regulations will make Europe more water-resilient, while boosting its zero-pollution and water-resilience ambitions.

NEWS | 21 Apr 2026

Five ways you can help save the environment this Mother Earth Day

PUBLICATION | 12 Mar 2026

EEA briefing: Pollution and mental health - current scientific evidence

This briefing discusses the evidence that is currently available on the associations between environmental pollution and mental health. It is based on a review of the scientific literature, and it supports the zero pollution...