Innovating to protect biodiversity and prevent future pandemics

In our latest interview with Professor Rodolphe (Rudy) Gozlan, Director of Research and Professor in Conservation Ecology at the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), he shared with us some fascinating insights about IRD's work in the BCOMING project. The conversation centred on how their work is helping to identify the links between biodiversity and disease risk, with a particular focus on Cambodia, as well as other regions such as Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Guadeloupe.

In a recent discussion with Alex Smajgl and John Ward from MERFI, partners in BCOMING, we explored the complexities of addressing zoonotic risks through a participatory and integrated approach. Their roles focus on fostering dialogue between scientists and a diverse array of stakeholders. This dialogue involves not only sharing scientific findings but also listening to community concerns and integrating them into a broader understanding of zoonotic disease transmission.

One Health has emerged as a critical and interdisciplinary concept, bringing together doctors, veterinarians, social scientists, and experts in ecology, biogeography, and climatology to address health challenges in an integrated manner. However, despite the novelty and breadth of this approach, certain gaps remain to be explored.