Plan Bleu, in partnership with Université Côte d’Azur and the ECOSEAS and GEOAZUR laboratories, held a regional technical workshop in Nice on 2–3 October focused on the One Health approach in the Mediterranean, entitled “Understanding and measuring the One Health nexus in the Mediterranean.” The event brought together around forty participants from across the Mediterranean basin, including scientists, public institutions and members of the Med-HAB network (Mediterranean Harmful Algal Blooms network).
Understanding the Environment – Health nexus
The first day laid the groundwork for a shared analytical framework around three key challenges:
– chemical, biological and land-based pollution and its impacts on human health and ecosystems
– the growing pressures of climate change in a densely populated and highly exposed region
– the need to strengthen monitoring of Harmful Algal Blooms
The One Health approach at the interface of environment, human and animal health was presented as an essential framework for anticipating emerging risks, building common indicators and contributing to the achievement of SDGs 3, 13 and 14. The day also marked the launch of collective group work sessions.
Strengthening the science – policy interface
The second day continued this collaborative work, with a focus on pooling scientific knowledge and operational experience. Discussions highlighted the complexity of interactions between ecosystems, pollution and health, including cumulative and cascading effects and stressed the importance of building community resilience to environmental pressures.
Participants emphasised the need for stronger coordination between Mediterranean countries, better networking of expertise, and closer dialogue between science and public decision-making. The Med-HAB network was identified as a key lever to begin operationalising the solutions explored during the workshop.
