EFC EEFG Webinar Series Ep.2 | Can healthy ecosystems prevent future pandemics? | 16 July 2020

The EFC’s European Environmental Funders Group (EEFG) and IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature opened up discussions on “Can healthy ecosystems prevent future pandemics?” on 16 July, the second webinar in a series of webinars discussing specific environmental issues currently at stake for the philanthropic sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given the world a clear focus on the need to rebalance the relationship between people and nature. As those on the frontline continue to tackle the immediate crisis, it is crucial that we enhance our understanding of how and why pandemics happen, and what we can do to reduce these risks in the future.

This webinar provides insights on the degradation of ecosystems as the root cause of emergent infectious diseases, and the challenges in effectively communicating these links. It explores the solutions offered by nature to remedy these issues and mitigate the risks posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation and unsustainable land management practices. The webinar showcases the knowledge and tools available to help tackle this issue and to bridge the communications gap between health and environmental communities.

Introduction:

Charlotte Ruhbaum, Project Manager, Stiftung Mercator and member of EEFG Steering Committee

Moderator:

Tina Lain, Senior Expert Environmental Justice, IUCN Netherlands National Committee

Panellists:

• Catarina Ferreira, European Biodiversity Conservation Coordinator, IUCN European Regional Office
• Kris Murray, Lecturer in Ecological Health, Grantham Institute and School of Public Health, Imperial College London
• Chris Walzer, Director of Global Health, Wildlife Conservation Society