The MAP–ACT–CREATE for One Health toolkit offers a fresh approach to managing health risks in protected areas. Developed by a team of 21 experts from the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, the toolkit aims to bridge the gap between conservation and public health.
Dr. Madhu Rao, the chair of the IUCN WCPA, highlights that the toolkit is essential, especially in light of pandemics like Ebola and HIV, which impact both humans and wildlife. “This toolkit encourages conservation efforts to work hand in hand with public health,” he notes.
One Health is a growing concept that sees the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecosystem health. Its importance has been spotlighted, particularly in preventing disease spread from wildlife to humans. For instance, research shows that close interactions during ecotourism can lead to devastating effects on ape populations, underlining the need for careful management of wildlife interactions.
Dr. Skylar Hopkins, another key figure in the toolkit’s development, points out that many protected area managers lack the resources to conduct infectious disease assessments. “This toolkit provides a quick, effective way for managers to evaluate the health risks in under 20 minutes,” he explains. Its flexible design allows tailored strategies that fit different ecological and cultural contexts.
The toolkit is built on three pillars:
- MAP: Identifying disease risks.
- ACT: Controlling disease transmission.
- CREATE: Building long-term capacities for health management.
CREATE focuses on key areas such as equitable governance and outbreak preparedness. By developing this framework, the toolkit addresses health benefits for both wildlife and local communities, promoting ecological balance and preventing disease spread.
This resource not only aids in identifying risks but also empowers managers to enhance the health of protected and conserved areas.
For more details, you can access the full publication here.
