Ecosystems and ecology

Ecology is one of the oldest of all sciences on the Earth and yet its principles have largely been neglected in creating a better environment for its multitude of inhabitants. Ecological principles are the basis for the development of the One Healthapproach to improving the health of habitats, as well as of people, livestock and wildlife. It is increasingly recognised that no regional event is limited in its effect and that global ecological problems affect the health of all living organisms. Ecological processes function as an intricate mosaic of interrelated links. There is no pristine region left in the world because there are no barriers to many of the components that affect these links. The One Health approach is a step toward harnessing these principles into a globally effective ecologically based management strategy which aims at the re-establishment of healthy ecosystems globally.