Connecting Global Priorities Biodiversity and Human Health

adequate responses targeting specifically those
most vulnerable population groups (Castaneda et
al. 2012).
However, it is widely accepted that many of
the adverse impacts of biodiversity loss are
impacting already vulnerable groups of people,
specifically populations who are dependent
on biodiversity and ecosystem services (forest
dwellers, indigenous populations, women and
girls, etc.). Biodiversity losses in specific social–
ecological settings and the resulting health effects
on marginalized populations are often triggered
by large-scale processes beyond the control
of the populations at risk. Climate change or
large-scale mining or logging projects may have
negative impacts on biodiversity, and increase
social and economic inequalities. For example,
it is estimated that 1 billion people only produce
3% of global greenhouse gas emissions. A social
justice perspective is, therefore, needed to address
the various equity dimensions in the biodiversity
and health dynamic (Walter 2003).
The social sciences are important contributors
to research and policy-making in biodiversity
and health. In addition to gender analysis, a
multifaceted approach is needed to effectively
tackle the equity and social dimensions of health
and biodiversity. Social research illuminates
social vulnerabilities, and has the potential to
engage and mobilize people most affected by
biodiversity loss, e.g. indigenous populations.
The social sciences also play an important role in
determining policy options for health, biodiversity
and ecosystem management (Artner and Siebert
2006; Duraiappah and Rogers 2011; Gilbert et al.
2006). Inter-, multi- and transdisciplinary research
can provide valuable insights into the drivers
of disease emergence and spread, contribute
to identifying previous patterns of disease risk,
and help to predict future risks through the
lens of social–ecological systems (Folke 2006;
Gilbert et al. 2006; UNESCO 2013). For example,
interdisciplinary work on the social determinants
of health can also provide valuable insights into
the drivers of disease emergence and spread,
contribute to identifying previous patterns of
disease risk and help to predict future risks.
Relevant tools that could be used to understand
the equity and social dimensions of health and
biodiversity for any relevant policy or programme
include social impact assessments, health impact
assessments and strategic impact assessments.
Whatever tool is used, it is key to ensure that all
health, environmental, and social considerations
and impacts are integrated within the assessment.
As discussed in section 5 of this chapter and
Part III of this volume, solutions to biodiversity
and health challenges also necessitate the
sustained engagement of multiple stakeholders,
both in governments, civil society, and in
nongovernmental and international organizations.
The social sciences are, therefore, important
contributors to research and policy-making in
biodiversity and health (UNESCO 2013), and to
the large-scale social and behavioural changes
required to achieve the objectives of sustainable
development.
3. BIODIVERSITY, ECOSYSTEM
FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES
Scientific knowledge of the impacts of
biodiversity loss on ecosystem functioning has
increased considerably in the past two decades
(Balvanera et al. 2014; Cardinale et al. 2012;
Reis et. al. 2012; Naeem and Wright 2003;
Loreau et al. 2001; Tilman et al. 1997), as well as
corresponding knowledge of its implications for
public health (Myers et al. 2013). In this section,
we summarize key elements of the relationship
between biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem
functioning, its connection to ecosystem services,
and the components that influence the quantity,
quality and reliability of ecosystem services, and
that contribute to ecosystem resilience.
There is strong evidence of the relationship
between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
and, in some cases, we can directly link this to the
ecosystem services necessary to sustain human
health (Loreau et al. 2001; Balvanera et al. 2006;
Cardinale et al. 2012; Balvanera et al. 2014). In
other cases, we do not yet have complete evidence
of this relationship (Schwartz et al. 2000; Cardinale
et al. 2012). While there is broad consensus within
the scientific community on several aspects of
Connecting Global Priorities: Biodiversity and Human Health
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