Addressing health on a territory level, for healthy, sustainable and resilient ecosystems

The latest issue of the CIRAD policy brief Horizon Sciences sets out the key pointers for the successful implementation of One Health approaches. The key to success is the social-ecological system health (SESH) concept. This means looking at health on a territory level, and ensuring that the various components in that territory benefit from " good health". "Components" naturally means humans, but also non-human and environmental elements such as animals, water, soils and forest.

Participatory approaches are central to the concept. The very definition of health may vary from one territory to another, depending on local communities and their activities. Problems and solutions are defined and addressed by and with communities. Above all, health is no longer seen merely from a biomedical point of view, by medical and veterinary science experts. Social, economic, ecological and cultural aspects are also included in the SESH framework, to provide realistic solutions tailored to the situation on the ground.

"Agriculture is crucial in satisfying the requirements of human communities, particularly in the global South. However, as practised to date, it has too often ignored its adverse effects on ecosystems, which has in turn compromised its long-term productivity. The SESH framework makes it possible to work with local players to reshape agriculture so as to ensure social, economic, cultural and environmental sustainability within territories."

Read the policy brief and its recommendations