Linkages

Biodiversity and human health are closely interlinked across a wide range of scales, from the planetary to that of individual human microbiota.

The health of the environment and the health of all species are interconnected and interdependent. Biodiversity supports human and societal needs—including food and nutrition, fresh water, development of medicines and pharmaceuticals—which together underpin good health. It also supports economic opportunities and leisure activities that contribute to overall well-being.

There are important parallels between soil, plant, animal, human and ecosystem health, thus, the concept of biodiversity and health interlinkages should be interpreted broadly, encompassing biodiversity from the genetic to the planetary level, across and between species and ecosystems, and the multiple dimensions of health and well-being, including physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. All species face health risks from biodiversity loss, while ecosystems are at risk from declines in their functional integrity. Similarly, water, food, air and soil depend on healthy ecosystems and the interconnectivity of species.