Biological control for One Health
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Biological control has been effectively exploited by mankind since 300 CE. By promoting the natural regulation of pests, weeds, and diseases, it produces societal benefits at the food-environment-health nexus. Here we scrutinize biological control endeavours and their social-ecological outcomes through a holistic 'One-Health' lens, recognizing that the health of humans, animals, plants, and the wider environment are linked and interdependent. Evidence shows that biological control generates desirable outcomes within all One Health dimensions, mitigating global change issues such as chemical pollution, biocide resistance, biodiversity loss, and habitat destruction. Yet, its cross-disciplinary achievements remain underappreciated. To remedy this, we advocate a systems-level, integrated approach to biological control research, policy, and practice. Framing biological control in a One Health context helps to unite medical and veterinary personnel, ecologists, conservationists and agricultural professionals in a joint quest for solutions to some of the most pressing issues in planetary health.
Institutions: CABI Switzerland, University of Minnesota, University of California, Berkeley, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, University of Florida, University of York, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, The University of Queensland, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Language: English
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
Award: G938389642
OpenAlex ID: W4401871920