This first policy brief from the Horizon Europe project RESTOREID examines how ecosystem restoration policies can better address human and animal health alongside environmental goals. Based on a review of more than 30 international and national restoration policies, the authors found that while most frameworks emphasise biodiversity recovery, climate resilience and socio-economic benefits, few explicitly consider health impacts and zoonotic disease risks.
The brief argues that achieving the ambitions of the Nature Restoration Regulation requires a broader approach that integrates health, equity and community engagement into restoration planning. It recommends adopting a One Health perspective, strengthening cross-sector collaboration, involving health authorities in decision-making, and monitoring social and health outcomes alongside ecological indicators.
Authors: Kirkpatrick, L., Jagadesh, S., & RESTOREID Consortium. (2025). D6.6 Policy Brief 1: Policy recommendations collecting evidence from RESTOREID. RESTOREID Project, Horizon Europe Grant Agreement No. 101134969 D6.6 Policy Brief 1 (under review).pdf