As the ongoing degradation of nature is driving interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and systemic health declines, endangering ecosystems, economies, and societies, experts say protecting ecological integrity is critical to public health, just as primary prevention must be at the forefront.

This is part of a new motion on One Health, adopted by the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025. This motion was developed and championed by the WCS and its partners to fully integrate One Health into conservation policies and programmes, recognising the interdependence of wildlife, ecosystem, animal, and human health.

The motion reflects a growing global consensus that the health of people and the planet are inextricably linked. It urges stronger collaboration between environmental and health sectors to prevent future pandemics, mitigate climate and biodiversity crises, and strengthen resilience for communities and ecosystems alike.

According to a statement by the organisers of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, the One Health motion builds on more than two decades of WCS leadership in advancing the integrated approach—beginning with the landmark 2004 Manhattan Principles and continuing through the 2020 Berlin Principles and WCS’s global field programs that bridge conservation, health, and development.

They added that One Health is vital to ensuring that ecosystem degradation, wildlife markets and trade, and land-use change—drivers of disease emergence—are addressed at their source. From forest monitoring and disease surveillance in Africa and Asia to sustainable landscape management in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, WCS works with governments and communities to reduce the risks of pathogen spillover while protecting biodiversity.

WCS Health Program Director, said: Dr. Sarah Olson, “WCS’s health and field teams have seen firsthand how human well-being depends on the integrity of nature. This motion recognises that protecting natural systems is a frontline defense for global health security and climate resilience.”

To the WCS Executive Director of Health, Dr. Chris Walzer, he said: “There can be no prevention of future pandemics of zoonotic origin without the protection and ecological integrity of nature. The ongoing degradation of nature is driving interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and systemic health declines, endangering ecosystems, economies, and societies. Protecting ecological integrity is critical to public health, and primary prevention must be at the forefront.

“The IUCN motion on One Health represents a powerful step toward uniting conservation and health communities around a shared vision,” said Dr. Sue Lieberman, WCS Vice President for International Policy. “Protecting wildlife and ecosystem integrity is essential not only for biodiversity, but also for preventing future pandemics and ensuring a healthy planet for all.”

The motion adopted on October 9, will guide IUCN members to embed One Health principles into biodiversity frameworks, strengthen intersectoral collaboration, and encourage investment in prevention—prioritising intact ecosystems, responsible land-use planning, and wildlife protection as critical components of global health policy.

The statement affirmed that the WCS looks forward to working with IUCN, governments, and partners to advance these commitments through the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Global Health Security Agenda, and other key international platforms. “The motion’s adoption will mark a significant step toward ensuring that conservation and health goals are achieved together, for nature and people.”