Rationale

Population growth and economic development are likely to lead to rapid changes in our global ecosystems. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment reported that, over the past 50 years, humans have changed natural ecosystems more rapidly and extensively than in any comparable period in human history in order to face growing demands for food, freshwater, timber, fiber, and energy. In addition, the full cost associated with these changes in ecosystems is only becoming evident today.

Ecosystems in Asia, and more specifically, South-East Asia, are noticeably affected by the rapid economic development of this region with significant impacts for the local population.

At present, there is a need for more systematic investigations to demonstrate the impact of ecosystems changes related to economic development on local population health. Better understanding and documenting this relationship is critical for shaping future surveillance and control strategies.

70% of emerging or re-emerging infections are vector-borne or zoonotic diseases. The recognition of strong interactions between human activity, environmental changes, and health has led to new scientific questions and to the necessity of innovative, multidisciplinary scientific approaches - i.e. the One Health concept- to deal with public health issues.