Imagine nature as a shield that keeps dangerous viruses in the wild and away from people. When we fix broken ecosystems, we aren't just helping animals; we are potentially blocking the path viruses take to jump to humans. This work figures out which specific ways of restoring nature actually stop these jumps and which might accidentally make them easier.
Nature restoration is happening globally, but it is unknown if these projects stop or actually increase the risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans.
A communication toolkit including posters and slide decks, and a methodology for mapping disease risk scenarios in specific case study areas.
If you are a nature restoration consultancy dealing with clients who want to avoid creating new health risks during rewilding — this project developed practical guidance on success factors that interrupt the virus spread cascade. This ensures restoration projects promote healthy ecosystems without amplifying disease risk.
If you are an insurance provider dealing with the high cost of pandemic-related claims — this project developed mapping of disease risk scenarios in case study areas. This allows for better risk assessment of land-use changes and their impact on public health.
If you are a health agency dealing with the threat of zoonotic emerging diseases — this project developed a communication toolkit and best practice interventions. These tools help implement nature-based solutions to prevent future outbreaks.
Based on available project data, no specific pricing or implementation costs are provided.
The project uses replicated field studies in Europe and the tropics to identify success factors, suggesting the guidelines are designed for broad geographical application.
Based on available project data, there is no mention of patents or specific licensing agreements.
The results support the EU's Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Green Deal by accelerating the ecological transition.
The project period runs from 2022-09-01 to 2027-02-28.
The consortium is heavily academic, consisting of 13 universities and 3 research organizations across 13 countries. With 0% industry representation and 0 SMEs, the project is driven by scientific discovery and public health research rather than immediate commercial product development.
Contact the University of Helsinki (HELSINGIN YLIOPISTO)
Contact us to find out how to apply these biodiversity-health guidelines to your land-management portfolio.
