One Health approach aims to promote the health and well-being of people, animals, and the environment by recognizing the interconnectedness to improve outcomes and address the triple planetary crisis. Biodiversity loss is currently having a significant impact on human and animal health as it can lead to the emergence and spread of zoonotic diseases. The destruction of habitats and ecosystems can displace animals and bring them into closer contact with humans, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Furthermore, the loss of plant species can also negatively impact human health as they are a source of food, medicine, and other resources.

The CBD at its 15 Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CBD/COP/DEC/15/29), takes note of the resolution 76/300 entitled “The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment” adopted by the United Nations General Assembly and the resolution 5/6 on biodiversity and health of the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly of the United Nations Environment Programme, 

Pursuant to decision 14/4, paragraph 13 (b) and (c) on targeted messages and a draft global action plan and target messages, an updated version of the draft global action plan on biodiversity and health was shared in January 2024 for inputs which set of voluntary 18 actions intended to complement other national, regional, and global efforts to address biodiversity and 19 health interlinkages. 

The draft global plan identified some actions, including recognition that pollution is harmful to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and the health of people, animals, plants, and other organisms. For example: excess nutrients reduce biodiversity in ecosystems, reduce water quality, and cause eutrophication of water bodies. Pesticides can harm both pollinators and human health, among other effects. Early-life exposures to plastic-associated chemicals also increase the risk of multiple non-communicable diseases later in life. Therefore, reduction of pollution to levels not harmful to biodiversity will have health co-benefits. 

It further also mentions considering within the mainstreaming of biodiversity and health interlinkages into policies, programmes and projects, that men and women often have different roles in the management of natural resources and family health, and that poor and vulnerable communities, women and children are often particularly directly dependent on biodiversity and ecosystems for food, medicines, clean water, and other health-related services.