Breakfast with Ruth Marcec-Greaves

What happens when we look at the health of people, animals, plants and the environment as one interconnected system? That was the focus of a recent session with Ruth Marcec-Greaves, who brought the concept of One Health to life through examples from her conservation work in Honduras and Peru.

In Honduras, a project focused on reptiles and amphibians grew into a broader collaboration involving communities and stakeholders to protect animals, water and the surrounding environment. In Peru, working with students to protect endangered frogs helped change attitudes towards the species — with students even developing a play about the project.

A key message was that people need to understand what is in it for them. Protecting the environment or another species may be important, but lasting change comes when people can see how action will also benefit their community, livelihood or economy.

This is an important lesson for biosecurity. Biosecurity is the first line of defence in protecting plants, animals, people and the environment — but it only works when we work together. One Health is ultimately about making connections, bringing the right people to the table and finding the shared interests that turn awareness into action.

Thank you to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for supporting this event.