To see examples from the 2023 connected conversation, please visit this link: https://padlet.com/echo_network/GlobalEcohealthExamples2023

To see examples from the 2022 connected conversation, please visit this link: https://padlet.com/echo_network/GlobalEcohealthExamples

The Ecohealth sessions held across the globe, reveal a tapestry of distinct yet interconnected themes. These sessions showcase a shared commitment to addressing environmental and health challenges through holistic and collaborative approaches.

1. Advocacy for Holistic Approaches:

  Across diverse regions, there is a vibrant advocacy for adopting a holistic and transdisciplinary approach. Participants consistently emphasize the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental well-being in addressing the complexity of health challenges.

2. Potency of Arts and Communication:

   A recurring theme is the acknowledgment of the effectiveness of arts, particularly performance drama, in conveying messages. There's a shared recognition of the potency of artistic expressions in raising awareness and promoting a deeper understanding of complex ecological issues.

3. Community Engagement as a Key Element:

   Community engagement emerges as a consistent and crucial theme. The emphasis is on actively involving communities as contributors rather than mere beneficiaries. This inclusive approach extends to policy statements, creative endeavours, and the development of sustainable initiatives.

4. Intersectionality of Ecohealth with Various Disciplines:

   The sessions highlight the intersectionality of Ecohealth with various disciplines. This promotes a nuanced understanding of issues as diverse perspectives, ranging from environmental communication and bioindicators to mental, physical and animal health and academic research, contribute to a holistic approach.

5. Ethical Considerations and Departure from Eurocentrism:

   Participants stress the importance of ethical considerations, responsible approaches, and a departure from Eurocentric models. This theme reflects a commitment to cultural sensitivity, knowledge inclusivity, and a recognition that global solutions must align with local contexts.

6. Challenges and Long-Term Thinking:

   Addressing challenges such as the Eurocentric nature of projects, time-bound impacts, and questioning the motivation behind development efforts is a consistent focus. There's a shared call for long-term thinking, ethical practices, and a shift toward mutual respect.

7. Collective Action and Collaboration:

   A unified call for collective action and collaboration echoes throughout the sessions. Participants emphasize the importance of operating as a movement rather than isolated projects. This shared responsibility is deemed crucial for building a healthier, just, and sustainable future.

8. Planetary Health and Indigenous Wisdom:

   Planetary health takes centre stage, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental well-being, cultural preservation, and community health. Integration of Indigenous wisdom and acknowledgment and elevating Indigenous voices emerge as recurrent themes, reflecting a commitment to valuing diverse perspectives.

9. Community Empowerment and Capacity Building:

   There's a universal stress on the importance of community empowerment and capacity building. Building skills, engaging communities, and fostering a sense of ownership are seen as essential components contributing to sustainable solutions.

10. Government Engagement and Collaborative Strategies:

    Sessions consistently highlight the significance of government engagement and collaborative strategies in addressing health challenges effectively. Building capacity, especially in developing the One Health sector, emerges as a key focus for a comprehensive and sustainable impact.

In summary, the Ecohealth sessions around the world showcase a harmonious blend of local perspectives and shared values. The commitment to holistic approaches, community engagement, and collaborative strategies reflects a unified effort towards building a healthier, more sustainable future for the diverse communities across the continents.

Summary of the connected conversations prepared by Shona Thorne

Angel Kennedy

Evan Griffith

Carlos Sanchez-Pimienta

Chester Kalinda

Christina Pettan-Brewer

Galase T. Ramolefhe-Mutumwa

Mark JP Gonzales

Chyna Yong