Championing the implementation of preventative One Health
Elke Steinmetz, Head of Division for International Cooperation on Biodiversity (BMUV)
1. What motivated BMUV to support and provide funding for the N4H initiative and what role will your organisation play to ensure its success?
The COVID-19 pandemic brought the importance of biodiversity for health to the fore. At the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection or (BMUV in German), we are committed to supporting this cause as well as those that our spearheading efforts in this realm - from co-sponsoring the IPBES workshop report on “Biodiversity and pandemics; Zoonotic risks due to destruction of nature” to being an active supporter of One Health.
Whilst we recognise that One Health is already an established and recognised approach, we, at BMUV believe that both the operationalisation of One Health and the integration of environmental determinants into the approach need to be strengthened. With the risk of future epidemics and pandemics on the rise, globally, we believe that more needs to be done in the field of prevention. We see the N4H initiative as a concrete proposition to do this. That is why we have decided to provide funding. BMUV is deeply committed to the success of N4H. Our support goes beyond financial contribution and also includes our political support and endorsements from the highest level.
2. From your perspective, as Head of Division for International Cooperation on Biodiversity at BMUV, what is so unique about the Nature for Health initiative?
From my perspective, N4H is the only global initiative which focuses on prevention and support for on-the-ground-implementation of preventive One Health approaches. Also, the gathering of some of the leading organisations in this field that have come together to steer the N4H work is unique in itself. This not only shows true partnership but it also demonstrates the highly systemic approach that has been taken towards reducing the risks of pandemics, thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of those organisations that are contributing. I am delighted to be a part of such an exciting journey and for this joint collaboration to continue to unfold!
3. What is your hope and vision for the future when it comes to N4H?
My hope and vision for the future of N4H - from a broader perspective - is that through strong partner collaboration, we have collectively been able to prevent future epidemics and pandemics whilst also contributing to the health of both people and the planet. More specifically, I hope that in the future, we have been able to demonstrate the success of preventive One Health strategies, and I also hope that the N4H initiative grows and expands to where it is able to support at least 50 countries with high zoonotic risk. Through its work, my vision is that N4H is also able to influence both international, national and local policy as well as cultivate impact in the fields of health, biodiversity and climate change.
