How can governance mechanisms, policies and legislation effectively support the implementation of a One Health approach to managing complex health threats (including the health of the environment) at the global, regional and national levels?

Context

This research question seeks to explore the role of governance and legislation in fostering an enabling environment for the effective implementation of a One Health approach to complex challenges at the human–animal–environment interface. It calls for the identification of legal entry points for integrating One Health into international, regional and national legal frameworks and governance mechanisms governing global sustainability and complex health challenges (including pandemic preparedness and response, food system transformation and climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental protection and pollution control). Additionally, it invites to analyse the alignment of international, regional and national legal instruments with the demand for One Health implementation.

The question aims to stimulate an analysis of the conceptual framing of One Health within existing legal principles, such as principles of international environmental law, and the broader framework for sustainable development.

Moreover, it invites examination of potential substantive and procedural obligations for both State and non-state actors resulting from the implementation of the One Health approach and its key underlying principles, as formulated by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP). Research addressing the integration of the One Health principle of equity among sectors and species in legislation is encouraged. This implies exploring how existing rights, legal instruments and principles can be used and improved to move from an anthropocentric view of animals and the environment as primarily for human benefit to one that that acknowledges and protects their inherent value and long-term sustainability. Equally critical is exploring methods to better incorporate environmental and biodiversity considerations into broader One Health-relevant regulation.

Finally, the question encourages the identification of complex threats and areas of law that could benefit from such an approach (e.g., legal frameworks regulating the environment, biodiversity and agri-food systems transformation) moving beyond the traditional scope of One Health in legislation and governance.

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