Identification of best practices for biodiversity recovery and public health interventions to prevent future epidemics and pandemics

Epidemics and pandemics, mostly caused by zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, pose a serious threat to our health and well-being. Preventing future outbreaks requires transformative changes, with the principle “biodiversity benefits our health” becoming a key approach. Nature restoration to increase biodiversity is recognised as an important tool for reducing disease risk. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether such restoration through public health interventions actually prevents the spread of diseases or even increases the risk, nor is it clear which factors are key to success. The BEPREP project will fill this gap through participatory and multisectoral research with the active involvement of the local community. The aim is to promote biodiversity restoration that creates healthy ecosystems and prevents disease outbreaks. The results will accelerate the ecological transition and contribute to a society that is better prepared for potential further disease outbreaks. BEPREP supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the green recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.