Human health represents one of the most important indicators of sustainability – a healthy human population is dependent upon a healthy natural environment. The ecosystem approach to health recognises the intimate links between ecosystem services, human and animal health, biological diversity, and social and economic development, and recognises the need for integrated public health policies and development programmes that view the protection of ecosystems as an important part of achieving their objectives.
The COHAB Initiative has been created in response to the outputs of the First International Conference on Health and Biodiversity (COHAB 2005), which was held in Galway, Ireland, during 2005; and the reports of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. The COHAB Initiative operates through Partnership arrangements with a growing network of organisations worldwide, representing government and multi-lateral agencies, academic institutes, NGOs, indigenous communities and the private sector. The Secretariat of the COHAB Initiative is based in Galway, Ireland. Major areas of focus include:
poverty reduction and livelihood security
food security, nutrition and dietary health
emerging diseases
natural products and medicinal resources
disaster prevention, relief and recovery
traditional knowledge
indigenous community health
social and spiritual well-being and mental health
On this website you will find information about the COHAB Initiative, it’s objectives and activities, plus details of how the Initiative is organised. In the coming months, the website will include a virtual discussion forum, information on COHAB Initiative projects and events, and details of the activities of COHAB Partner organisations.
Comments and suggestions for the website are welcome and greatly appreciated - please contact webmaster@cohabnet.org.
