Publication Type
Journal Article
Journal Name
Science of the Total Environment
Publication Date
11-15-2024
Abstract
Biological control has been effectively exploited by mankind since 300 CE. By promoting the natural regulation of pests, weeds, and diseases, it produces societal benefits at the food-environment-health nexus. Here we scrutinize biological control endeavours and their social-ecological outcomes through a holistic ‘One-Health’ lens, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment are linked and interdependent. Evidence shows that biological control generates desirable outcomes within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global change issues such as chemical pollution, biocide resistance, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Yet, its cross-disciplinary achievements remain underappreciated. To remedy this, we advocate a systems-level, integrated approach to biological control research, policy, and practice. Framing biological control in a One Health context helps to unite medical and veterinary personnel, ecologists, conservationists and agricultural professionals in a joint quest for solutions to some of the most pressing issues in planetary health.
Keywords
Biodiversity, Environmental pollution, Planetary health, Sustainability, Transdisciplinarity
PubMed ID
39197787
Funding Statement
The development of this manuscript was partially funded by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through LOA/RAP/2022/08 and by the European Commission through project GCP/GLO/220/EC. U.S. was supported by CABI with core financial support from its member countries (see http://www.cabi.org/about-cabi/who-we-work-with/key-donors/)
Recommended Citation
Schaffner, U., Heimpel, G., Mills, N., Muriithi, B., Thomas, M., GC, Y., & Wyckhuys, K. (2024). Biological control for One Health. Science of the Total Environment, 951 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175800