A reimagined One Health framework for wildlife conservation

Abstract

Abstract The One Health discourse is dominated by the role of animal health as a determinant of human health. This discourse often disregards the intrinsic and ecological value of healthy animals and is thus an inadequate framing for wildlife conservation. Our paper reimagines One Health for conservation purposes based on five premises: (i) health is cumulative; (ii) there are multiple species with different health needs and goals in the same setting; (iii) One Health emphasizes “bundled” relationships unique to a setting, rather than independent and intersecting spheres of health; and One Health should be (iv) equity informed and (v) have a shared goal that can be achieved through intersectoral actions. The reimagined framework is centered on the guiding principle that all actions should ensure no species or generation is prevented from reaching good health by the actions to protect other species or generations. Grounded in the positive outcome of health equity, the framework uses three prompts to guide One Health planning – populations, places and goals. The paper discusses how the framework can be applied for research concerning wood bison herds under imminent threat in Canada.