Breaking down barriers
The health of humans, animals and the environment are closely linked; they impact one another in multiple ways. The One Health approach focuses on the link between human medicine, animal health and environmental protection in a collaborative effort to solve global health issues.
At the Breaking Barriers event held at Tierpark Berlin in October 2023, experts and decision-makers from a wide range of fields came together to intensively discuss topics such as pollution, soil health, invasive species, nature conservation, and improved communication. The event was also intended to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and help initiate specific measures.
We spoke with Katharina Sperling, head of Zoo and Tierpark Berlin’s conservation programme, who was also one of the speakers at the conference.
What is the relationship between human health and the natural world?
Katharina Sperling (K.S.): Human health and nature are very closely linked. Nature provides us with fresh air, clean water, and the food we eat. What’s more, natural surroundings are scientifically proven to have a positive effect on our mental health. Spending time in nature can reduce stress, lift our mood, improve concentration, and even relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
But a healthy natural world can also protect us from dangerous diseases. When nature is thrown out of balance, pandemics are more likely to occur – especially when humans encroach on the habitats of animals, as this means pathogens are more easily transmitted from animals to humans and vice versa.
How can nature conservation help prevent the emergence of diseases in humans?
K.S.: Many pathogens that trigger pandemics originate in the animal world. The global coronavirus pandemic was tragic evidence of the serious consequences these outbreaks can have. To prevent future pandemics, implementing preventive measures is just as important as having a strong and functioning healthcare system. By preserving our ecosystems and protecting biodiversity, we are reducing the risk of pathogens being transmitted from animals to humans. Intact ecosystems form natural barriers against the spread of disease. Therefore, protecting biodiversity is an essential part of preventing future pandemics.
What solutions are there to these problems?
K.S.: There is a well-known saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Given the enormous challenges we face, it is crucial that institutions, researchers and governments work together to address problems as they arise. But each and every one of us can also make a real contribution through more sustainable lifestyle choices, such as avoiding waste, saving energy, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices, and consuming resources responsibly.
What is the role of zoological institutions such as Zoo and Tierpark Berlin?
K.S.: Modern zoological facilities such as Zoo and Tierpark Berlin play a key role in the One Health approach. We are involved in multiple different areas, including research into animal health; extensive environmental education that reaches over five million people every year; active participation in species conservation programmes; and the protection of endangered species and their habitats in more than 35 projects via our Berlin World Wild conservation programme. These activities form the basis of our mission, and we consider it our duty to fulfil that mission as best we can.
© Frank Peters |Fotografie
