Recent outbreaks of swine and avian influenza, ebola and west nile virus remind us that humans and wildlife are intimately connected all over the world. We share habitats as well as food sources; we can even share similar biology and vulnerability to the same

Around 72% of new infectious diseases affecting humans originate in wildlife, and this trend is increasing. The great forests of Mesoamerica play a crucial role in providing essential natural services that help maintain the balance of health and well-being for both humans and animals. The conservation of these ecosystems is fundamental to protecting us from the emergence of new diseases. In this context, the One Health approach seeks to preserve that balance and apply strategies at various scales, with the goal of ensuring the health of all inhabitants of the planet.

The WCS Health Program focuses on identifying where and how these health risks are emerging, in order to implement the One Health approach in the conservation of biodiversity and the management of protected areas in Mesoamerica. It also aims to mitigate disease transmission at the interface between humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, while monitoring, surveilling, and mitigating the impacts of zoonotic diseases and those affecting wildlife and their reservoirs. In addition, it investigates the links between health, biodiversity, and intact ecosystems, highlighting their importance in maintaining ecological balance and global health.

In the five great forests of Mesoamerica, which contain 7.5% of the world's biodiversity, WCS’s efforts are vital not only for species conservation but also for the prevention of emerging diseases. Biodiversity is not only essential to ecosystems but also plays a critical role in regulating planetary health. Protecting these ecosystems ensures a healthier environment for all species that depend on them, including humans.

The increased contact between humans and wildlife, especially through the illegal wildlife trade, has facilitated the transmission of new viruses capable of infecting various host species. In response, WCS is actively working across the region to reduce the impact of illegal wildlife trade, an activity that not only threatens wildlife but also increases the likelihood of new diseases being transmitted to humans.

Furthermore, we promote sustainable production practices that foster harmonious coexistence between agriculture and wildlife. Through integrated landscape management, we seek to reduce waste and pollution, which in turn decreases the risk of zoonotic disease transmission. These practices help ensure that human activities do not compromise environmental health or contribute to the emergence of new pathogens.

Finally, through the One Health approach, WCS works to raise awareness of zoonotic and emerging disease risks at all levels of society. By implementing monitoring and surveillance programs, we support risk reduction strategies, fostering a coordinated response to prevent future disease outbreaks and ensure the health of both humans and the ecosystems that sustain us.