"More than 70 percent of emerging human infectious diseases are of zoonotic origin, and many of them are linked to the growing pressure on ecosystems and wildlife due to land-use changes. We must focus on the primary prevention of pandemics through preventive measures, such as the protection and restoration of ecosystems, reducing risky contacts between humans and wildlife, as well as addressing environmental factors that contribute to the transmission of infections from animals to humans," stated IUCN Director General Dr. Grethel Aguilar.

"At IUCN, we firmly believe that investing in nature is an investment in public health, pandemic prevention, and sustainable development. Thanks to the Nature4Health initiative, Uzbekistan can become a strong regional example of how integrated approaches at the intersection of nature and health contribute to shaping a safer, healthier, and more sustainable society," she added.

The preparatory phase will focus on Karakalpakstan—a region susceptible to desertification, biodiversity loss, and the long-term consequences of the Aral Sea crisis. Under these conditions, environmental vulnerability, land-use changes, pressure on wildlife habitats, and the interaction between humans, livestock, and wild animals underscore the need for preventive approaches that integrate the health of ecosystems, animals, and humans.

"Uzbekistan faces real and growing environmental challenges: desertification, biodiversity loss, water scarcity caused by climate change, as well as the expansion of human-wildlife interaction zones. For countries in arid and semi-arid regions, addressing the environmental causes of diseases is not a choice, but a matter of national security," noted Deputy Minister of Ecology Jusipbek Kazbekov.

"Preventing the next pandemic cannot begin only after an outbreak occurs. It must start in advance—by addressing the environmental factors that increase the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans. Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of public health, economic stability, and long-term climate resilience," he added.

Under the leadership of the IUCN Central Asia Office, in coordination with the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of Uzbekistan, relevant government agencies, and stakeholders, the preparatory phase will be implemented using an inclusive and consultative approach. It envisions a systematic study of the risk factors for zoonotic disease transmission and the identification of opportunities for comprehensive prevention based on an ecosystem approach. As a result of this process, an Implementation Project Document will be prepared, defining how the future implementation phase can reduce the risk of pandemics through preventive "One Health" approaches and systemic methodologies.

The launch of the initiative occurs against the backdrop of the continued strengthening of Uzbekistan's environmental agenda and its regional leadership in nature conservation, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. By bringing together government agencies, conservation experts, health and veterinary representatives, local partners, and international organizations, the preparatory phase of Nature4Health in Uzbekistan will help establish a solid foundation for preventive, nature-based, and cross-sectoral actions.

The "One Health" approach is an integral part of the IUCN's long-term strategic vision, serving as a transformational pathway to address the root causes of biodiversity loss. The IUCN's work during the first phase of Nature4Health in Vietnam provides valuable expertise for the preparatory phase in Uzbekistan, while the "1Health4Nature: One Health in Nature Conservation in Central Asia" project demonstrates the profound regional significance of this approach.

For reference: The Nature for Health project is an international initiative supporting country-level actions to prevent pandemics and associated health risks by reinforcing the environmental dimensions of the "One Health" approach. The initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) through the Nature for Health Multi-Partner Trust Fund, which is administered by the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office. The Secretariat of the initiative is hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, Kenya.