Regional meeting on Collaborative Approaches to Environmental Pollution and One Health in the Western Balkans

Theme: Depollution activities and One Health Approach for Sustainable Development in the Western Balkans

Location: 

• UN House, Zmaja od Bosne bb, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (1^st day, 4 December)
• Hotel Europe, Vladislava Skarića 5, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina (2^nd day, 5 December)
• Hybrid option - Zoom link:https://zoom.us/j/99521454199

Dates: 4-5 December 2024

Participants: Representatives of the Western Balkan environmental authorities and UN Agencies - UNEP, WHO, UNDP, UNICEF, UNECE, World Bank, RCOs.

Conference Overview

As the Western Balkans face significant environmental issues—ranging from air pollution to hazardous waste-the need for integrated strategies has never been more urgent. This conference will serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action, ultimately advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

One Health is a unifying approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. This conference seeks to bring together stakeholders in the Western Balkans to tackle critical challenges related to chemicals, waste management, and pollution. By fostering a collaborative approach, we aim to enhance community health, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable development.

Objectives

• Enhance Understanding: Improve awareness of pollution challenges in the Western Balkans and about One Health principles as they relate to environmental health.
• Foster Collaboration: Build partnerships among governments and communities to implement One Health strategies.
• Identify Priorities: Pinpoint key issues regarding chemicals, waste, and pollution that require immediate attention and coordinated action.
• Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage the adoption of innovative approaches for managing chemicals, waste, and pollution.

Conference Structure

• Discussion: Exploring the Interconnections: One Health and Environmental Pollution in the Western Balkans
• Format - Moderator: An expert in One Health and environmental policy to guide the discussion.

Objective:

To examine the multifaceted relationship between One Health and environmental pollution, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and to identify actionable strategies for addressing these challenges in the Western Balkans.

Overview:

This event will bring together experts from various fields—including public health, environmental science and environmental pollution, and policy—to discuss the complex linkages between environmental pollution and its adverse health impacts, through a One Health lens. Experts will explore how pollution affects health outcomes across different sectors and the importance of an integrated approach to mitigate these impacts.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Understanding One Health:
   • Define the One Health approach and its relevance to public health, animal health, and environmental sustainability.
   • Discuss how the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems are interconnected, particularly in the context of pollution.
2. Sources and Impacts of Environmental Pollution in the Western Balkans:
   • Identify major sources of pollution in the Western Balkans (e.g., industrial waste, agricultural runoff, air pollution).
   • Examine the health implications of environmental pollution on human populations and wildlife, with a focus on vulnerable communities.
3. Case Studies and Best Practices:
   • Present case studies that illustrate successful One Health interventions addressing environmental pollution.
   • Share best practices from the region and globally that can be adapted to the Western Balkans context.
4. Policy and Community Engagement:
   • Discuss the role of policy in addressing environmental pollution through a One Health lens.
   • Highlight the importance of community engagement and public awareness in promoting sustainable practices and health outcomes.