Applying Preventive One Health Approaches in the Pacific

Environmental dimensions of One Health: Applying Preventive One Health Approaches in the Pacific

Background

One Health is an integrated approach that recognises the interconnected health of people, animals, plants, and ecosystems. As climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution intensify, these linkages are becoming increasingly important—especially in Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs), where fragile ecosystems and high exposure to natural hazards heighten vulnerability to emerging health threats.

Regional and global partners, including FAO, UNEP, WHO, and WOAH (the Quadripartite), together with the Pacific Community (SPC), Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), and the Asian Development Bank, are working to strengthen cross‑sector collaboration and promote effective One Health action. Their first joint Pacific workshop, held in Fiji in August 2024, introduced countries to ongoing initiatives such as the One Health Joint Plan of Action (OHJPA).

This webinar will explore the environmental dimensions of One Health and highlight the critical role of environmental stewardship in preventing and reducing health risks. The session will also introduce the Nature for Health (N4H) initiative, which supports countries in integrating environmental considerations into their One Health strategies to reduce the risk of pandemics and other emerging threats.

Objectives

1. To familiarise Pacific Island countries and areas and stakeholders with the Quadripartite activities on One Health, including the environmental dimensions of One Health;
2. To familiarise Pacific Island countries and areas and stakeholders with the Nature for Health project;
3. To explore opportunities for Pacific Island countries and areas to engage with an upstream preventative One Health.

Details

Date and time:  1 April 2026, 11:00 AM Tokyo | 2:00 PM Suva, Fiji

Agenda: Programme (draft)

Venue: Virtual

Participation: Registration link (Zoom®)