HEALTHY PLANET, HEALTHY PEOPLE A Guide to Human Health and Biodiversity

Yosemite National Park … hantavirus warning … 22,000 visitors may have been exposed to deadly mouse-borne disease … confirmed cases growing UNEP, 2011-2012 declared " Year of the Bat " Bats provide a range of biodiversity benefits to humans … New drug synthesized from vampire bat saliva in development … Could help stroke victims … " Healthy people are better able to learn, be productive and contribute to their communities. At the same time, a healthy environment is a prerequisite for good health. " Dr. of reviewers who all provided helpful comments and examples. Lisa Chicchini did a great copy-edit job, but all the faults that remain are those of the authors. This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the Government of Japan. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the Government of Japan. Other photo credits (alphabetical order of photographer): P37 bushmeat picture © E. The views reported in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. This publication may be reproduced for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holders, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. The Secretariat of the Convention would appreciate receiving a copy of any publications that use this document as a source. FOREWORD Health means many things to many people. Often it means an absence of illness, but to the World Health Organization (WHO), health does not just mean freedom from illness, but a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being. This concept of well-being became translated into the language of biodiversity in a significant way through the work of the Millennium Assessment. Life on earth is inevitably changed by the actions of people, including actions, which cause biodiversity change and loss. Maintaining life on earth in a healthy state means biodiversity is sustainably used, conserved and its benefits shared in ways that enables it to survive, flourish, evolve and change. Well-managed and healthy life on earth is also essential to support healthy people, individually or …