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From Earth to Men, “One Health”

Updated on 29 September 2020

With the proliferation of infectious diseases of humans, alternatives of production and consumption are increasingly being considered. That’s the whole concept of “One Health.” It is a way of understanding [la santé] in the complexity of its interactions with animal and plant health as well as that of ecosystems” defines the CNRS (1). Initiated in the 2000s, this “unique health” approach is becoming more and more important in the minds of consumers and, consequently, producers.

This is a topical topic that was at the heart of the three webinars organized by the association Bleu-Blanc-Coeu r(1). Drawing on the work of INRAE and Valorex (3), many experts have spoken on this topic. Among them, you could find Anthony BERTHOU, nutritionist; Denys DURAND, INRAE Research Engineer (2); Joe HIBBELN, Director of Nutritional Neuroscience at the National Institute for Health (NIH); and many more…

Consuming better, the new challenge of men

A multitude of questions revolve around a new way of understanding health. This is the “One Health” concept: unique health. It involves a profound transformation of production, in order to reconcile people with animals and the environment.

To prevent health problems related to the consumption of our current products, we must go back to the source. That is to say to the production.

According to an ESTEBAN study (4), 44% of women and 54% of men are overweight. In addition, 75% of human diseases are of animal, domestic and wild origin. Indeed, this is the case for AIDS, Ebola or, more recently, Covid-19.

This is the challenge of a good and new diet, possible by going back to the origins especially of animal production.

This practice of overconsumption is obviously at the heart of today’s production methods. We consume more so we produce more, and generally poorly. Men are creating new needs for themselves. They require new products, and are thirsty for innovation in all areas. Sometimes these innovations serve nature. Therefore, man must find an alternative way or through his innovations, to consume differently.

A new vision of farming

This unique health approach begins with a new vision of producing. To achieve this, we must save biodiversity, and fight against deforestation.

For Marc-André SELOSSE, professor of the National Museum of Natural History, it all starts with the enhancement and well-being of the soils. The soil makes the plant, and makes the climate. To change the way we produce on Earth, humans need to take care of terrestrial ecosystems first.

The professor gives a simple but telling example. The soil should not contain nitrogen. Yet this is the case. The cause? fertilizers that human activity continues to disseminate despite warnings from some organisms.

Listening to authorities or organizations will not allow farmers to earn more. It would be quite the opposite. That’s why environmental changes are struggling to gain ground. The economic pressure and market atmosphere does not yet seem conducive to fully considering the alerts that are being sounded more and more often.

However, there are solutions. Some consumers are gradually turning to cleaner and more responsible consumption. We think more about the impact of our actions.

To do this, it is essential to know the life cycle of a product in order to have a complete vision of the environmental impact of this product. That is why, in the majority of cases, agriculture has to adapt.

The vegetarian diet trend is one of the most common eco-responsible actions, which contribute to a real reduction in gas emissions. Agriculture, in addition to livestock, is responsible for deforestation. Forests are razed or cleared in order to find new land to produce and thus meet the demand of (over)human consumption.

Humans and Animals, towards reconciliation

The vegetarian diet also plays a major part in a reduction in the consumption of meats and deli meats. This is good for the planet, but also for the health of men. According to a study by Fabrice PIERRE of INRAE, over-consumption of deli meats is responsible for an increase in colon cancer.

To encourage consumers to adopt this mode of consumption more, a nutritional prevention strategy could be considered. Thus, if the demand for meats and deli meats decreases, the farms will decrease.

In addition, animal abuse is increasingly affecting humans. More French people are trying to adapt their consumption patterns. They limit their spending on intensively farmed products.

Many associations and organizations, such as L214, are taking up more and more space and making their requests heard. Their challenges are beginning to gradually influence the behaviour of many consumers.

Many changes in the world of agricultural production, in particular, are apprehended. Some retailers are using new, more local, more responsible distributors. A real process of protecting and enhancing biodiversity is under way. Multiple researches are trying to find long-term alternatives. Men seek to adopt a revolutionary mode of consumption to protect their raw resources. A real reconnection with nature and animals is born. An awareness of the most important. This is the issue that every human being should take into account. If every citizen of the world changed a small habit, on a daily basis; major changes would take place on an international scale.

COVID-19 is a factor influencing better consumption.


It is true that we have been changing in consumer habits lately. COVID-19 is also responsible for these. Indeed, this dimension of fear created by uncertainty in the face of a virus we do not know has pushed consumers to seek a reassuring and well-being. (5) This goes through nutrition, actually the diet is closely related to our state of health. That’s why it’s important not to neglect it.

Consumers have understood this concept and have sought to eat better, including organic foods, according to a Nielsen study. Aware of the problems associated with intensive breeding, real clusters of diseases, and eager to support the local economy, they also preferred small producers close to home. Thus, the health crisis has continued to raise food awareness while being linked to a health awareness. It is very likely that these new ways of consuming will continue over the long term as a result of the overall awareness of the population.

Sources

(1) Blue-White-Heart

(2) INRAE

(3) Valorex One Health. Ambitions, challenges and challenges of an essential approach to health, CNRS (National Centre for Scientific Research) March 29, 2018

(4) E studyESTEBAN 2014-2016

(5) Confinement and Covid-19: Impacts on French food consumption – by Vanessa 1 July 2020 Pagachey

(6) THE HEALTH OF THE BIO IN FRANCE AT THE REVEALER OF THE COVID-19 Nielsen Study – 08-04-2020

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