Most modern pandemics have their origins in diverse microbes carried by animal reservoirs, particularly in highly biodiverse tropical regions. Human activities, such as forest conversion and agricultural expansion, that encroach into biodiverse habitats are most intensive in the tropics, effectively reducing barriers between wildlife, livestock, and people and risking the spread of disease.
Despite the clear links between land-use change and emerging infectious disease, disease risk is not considered in land regulation and planning processes or in land management and restoration strategies. Collaboration across environmental and health research and policy is vital if we are to better understand land-use-disease dynamics and effectively suppress zoonosis spillover.
This two-hour virtual event “Land health: Preventing zoonoses spillover” will explore the critical link between land-use change, management practices in tropical regions, and the emergence of zoonotic diseases. Moderated by Cell Press editors, this event will feature a keynote address, followed by four brief presentations that will delve into specific aspects of this complex topic, including biodiversity loss and zoonotic disease risk, disease-agriculture relationships, disease ecology and land systems, and land-use management. The event will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion where experts will answer questions from the moderator and audience and engage in dialogue about landscape management, public health and conservation policy, and one health approaches.
This webinar will be recorded to watch on demand after the live event. Register for the event to join the discussion and receive notification when the recording is available.
