16 July 2020

EFC European Environmental Funders Group Webinar – Can healthy ecosystems prevent future pandemics?

The EFC’s European Environmental Funders Group (EEFG) is organising a webinar with IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature on “Can healthy ecosystems prevent future pandemics?” on 16 July, 15:00-16:30 CET, the second 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 will provide insights on the degradation of ecosystems as the root cause of emergent infectious diseases, and the challenges in effectively communicating these links. We will explore 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. Throughout the webinar we will showcase the knowledge and tools available to help tackle this issue and to bridge the communications gap between health and environmental communities.

After the speakers’ presentations, there will be ample space left for questions from the audience and a dialogue on the role of philanthropy, through sharing case studies where philanthropy has been quick to act and responsive, as well as debating on the specific areas where the sector should focus its attention in the short and mid-term.

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:

This webinar is for funders only. 

To register or find out more, contact Silvia Balmas.