Integrated Program (One Health)
One Health
An integrated approach to healthy people, animals and ecosystems
The Land Resources Division (LRD) applies a One Health approach to address the interconnected challenges facing Pacific communities. One Health recognises that the health of people, animals, plants and ecosystems is closely linked, and that sustainable solutions require coordination across sectors, disciplines and knowledge systems.
In the Pacific, environmental change, biosecurity risks, food system pressures and climate impacts increasingly affect human and animal health at the same time. LRD’s One Health approach responds to these realities by promoting integrated, science-based and culturally grounded actions that strengthen ecosystem health while supporting livelihoods, food and nutrition security and community wellbeing.
How LRD supports One Health in the Pacific
LRD advances One Health through its Healthy Ecosystems thematic area, working across agriculture, forestry, biosecurity and land management to promote resilient and healthy systems. This includes:
Supporting integrated approaches that improve soil, plant and animal health, recognising their role in food systems and ecosystem services
Strengthening biosecurity and pest and disease management to reduce risks to agriculture, livestock, human health and the environment
Conserving agrobiodiversity and genetic resources, including ex-situ collections, to safeguard resilience and adaptive capacity
Promoting sustainable land, forest and watershed management that maintains ecosystem functions and services
Integrating traditional knowledge and local practices with scientific evidence to deliver context-specific solutions
These efforts help reduce risks from emerging and transboundary diseases, invasive species and environmental degradation, while supporting long-term resilience in Pacific food systems and landscapes.
Regional coordination and partnerships
LRD plays a regional coordinating role in One Health by convening and supporting technical networks, governments, communities and partners. This includes facilitating collaboration across agriculture, forestry, livestock, plant health and biosecurity sectors to ensure a shared understanding of risks and responses.
Through its regional platforms and partnerships, LRD supports member countries to develop policies, build capacity and apply integrated One Health approaches that are aligned with national priorities, regional strategies and global commitments.
Contributing to resilient and healthy Pacific communities
By embedding One Health across its work, LRD contributes to:
healthier ecosystems that continue to provide essential services
more resilient food systems and livelihoods
reduced risks from pests, diseases and environmental shocks
improved wellbeing for Pacific peoples, now and into the future
This integrated approach reflects LRD’s commitment to working across systems, strengthening partnerships and delivering science-informed solutions that are grounded in Pacific values and realities.