[Challenges for knowledge generation in environmental health: an ecosystemic approach]

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health Sciences
• Ecosystem Health
• One Health

Context:

• Traditional research models face limitations in addressing complex environmental health issues.
• Human and ecosystem health are intricately linked, necessitating integrated research frameworks.
• The study emphasizes the need to redefine roles and responsibilities in scientific research for environmental health.

Purpose:

• To examine the opportunities and limitations of knowledge generation in environmental health.
• To advocate for inter and transdisciplinary approaches, specifically the ecosystemic health (ecohealth) approach.
• To illustrate the application of the ecohealth approach through case studies.

Summary:

• The article proposes that an ecosystemic health (ecohealth) approach, integrating inter and transdisciplinary methods, is crucial for advancing environmental health knowledge.
• Two case studies, mercury contamination in the Brazilian Amazon and urban echinococcosis in Nepal, demonstrate the practical application of the ecohealth approach.
• Challenges and opportunities in applying these integrated approaches are discussed, emphasizing the value of local knowledge and participation.

Impact:

• The ecohealth approach offers a promising framework for overcoming the limitations of unidisciplinary research in environmental health.
• Integrating local knowledge and community participation enhances the effectiveness and relevance of environmental health research.
• This research contributes to a more holistic understanding and management of environmental health challenges affecting both human and ecosystem well-being.