Defining One Health: Environment versus ecosystem

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Environmental Science
• Ecology

Background:

• The current One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) definition requires clarification, particularly regarding its environmental component.
• Existing definitions may inadvertently promote an anthropocentric framing, limiting a holistic understanding of interconnected health systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To enhance the precision of the One Health definition by addressing ambiguities in the OHHLEP framework.
• To propose an ecosystemic perspective that integrates humans, animals, and the environment more holistically.
• To explore the implications of different conceptualizations of the environmental component within One Health.

Main Methods:

• Developed arguments through participation in the interdisciplinary Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA) consortium.
• Engaged an interdisciplinary team to analyze and refine theoretical positions on One Health Governance.
• Authored a report chapter based on collaborative discussions throughout 2024.

Main Results:

• Distinguishes between 'environment' (external) and 'ecosystem' (integrated system including humans and animals).
• Analyzed key OHHLEP concepts: 'integrated,' 'unifying,' 'balanced,' 'optimised,' 'closely linked,' and 'interdependent.'
• Explored synergies with related concepts like Planetary Health.

Conclusions:

• An ecosystemic, holistic view is preferable for One Health, moving away from anthropocentrism.
• This integrated framing better aligns with the expanding scope of One Health.
• Practical implementation of holism in One Health initiatives faces current limitations.