One Health for Forest and Forestry Ecosystem Sustainability Training

Introduction

Forests are central to global health, livelihoods, and biodiversity, yet they are increasingly threatened by deforestation, climate change, land-use conflicts, and emerging zoonotic diseases. The One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnection between human health, animal health, and the environment, provides a powerful framework for ensuring the sustainable management of forests and forestry ecosystems.

This training program equips participants with the knowledge and tools to integrate One Health principles into forestry planning, policy, and practice. It explores how sustainable forest management contributes to disease prevention, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and community well-being. With forests playing a critical role in carbon sequestration and as habitats for wildlife, adopting a One Health perspective ensures long-term sustainability, reduces risks of pandemics, and strengthens ecosystem services that humans rely on.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, and field-based exercises, participants will gain practical skills in applying One Health approaches to forestry, bridging science, policy, and practice.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive Certificate of Participation.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of One Health and its application in forestry and ecosystem sustainability.
2. Identify the interconnections between forest ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and climate change.
3. Assess the role of forests in mitigating zoonotic diseases and preventing pandemics.
4. Explore the link between sustainable forest management and global health security.
5. Learn about tools and strategies for integrating One Health into forest governance and policies.
6. Strengthen community engagement for inclusive forest conservation and health protection.
7. Apply ecosystem-based approaches to climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation.
8. Conduct risk assessments of forest-based zoonotic disease transmission.
9. Evaluate the socio-economic dimensions of forestry and health, including livelihoods and equity.
10. Use monitoring, research, and cross-sectoral collaboration to implement effective One Health programs.

Duration

5 Days

Who Should Attend

• Forestry and environmental professionals
• Conservation managers and biodiversity officers
• Public health and veterinary experts
• Climate change and natural resource specialists
• Policy makers and government officers in forestry, agriculture, and environment
• NGOs and civil society actors in health, forestry, and conservation
• Academic and research institutions working on One Health and sustainability

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of One Health and Forestry Sustainability

• Introduction to the One Health concept and principles
• Global frameworks and policies on One Health and forestry
• The role of forests in supporting human, animal, and environmental health
• Linkages between forest degradation, biodiversity loss, and emerging diseases
• Case studies of zoonotic outbreaks linked to deforestation
• Importance of cross-sector collaboration (forestry, health, agriculture, and environment)

Day 2: Forest Ecosystems, Biodiversity, and Zoonotic Disease Prevention

• Forests as biodiversity hotspots and their role in disease regulation
• Wildlife habitats, hunting practices, and disease spillover risks
• Deforestation, encroachment, and human-wildlife conflict
• One Health approaches to monitoring and controlling zoonotic diseases
• Tools for assessing ecological and epidemiological risks
• Community-based surveillance and early-warning systems
• Lessons from COVID-19, Ebola, and Nipah virus in relation to forests

Day 3: Climate Change, Forest Ecosystem Services, and Human Well-Being

• The role of forests in carbon sequestration and climate regulation
• Impacts of climate change on forests and ecosystem health
• Droughts, floods, and forest fires: implications for human and animal health
• Climate-smart forestry approaches
• Integrating One Health into climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Valuation of forest ecosystem services for policy and decision-making
• Sustainable forest livelihoods and health outcomes

Day 4: Policy, Governance, and Community Engagement

• National and international policies on forests, health, and sustainability
• Legal and institutional frameworks supporting One Health in forestry
• Rights of indigenous peoples and local communities in forest governance
• Participatory forest management models and co-management approaches
• Gender equality and social inclusion in One Health forestry programs
• Building multi-sectoral partnerships and stakeholder engagement
• Role of NGOs, civil society, and the private sector in forest-health initiatives
• Case studies of successful community-led One Health forestry programs

Day 5: Tools, Monitoring, and Capstone Project

• Tools for integrated forest and health monitoring (GIS, remote sensing, participatory mapping)
• Data collection and analysis for ecosystem and health outcomes
• Indicators for measuring forest sustainability under a One Health framework
• Financing mechanisms for One Health forestry initiatives
• Innovations in technology and digital solutions for forest-health linkages
• Developing One Health action plans for forestry ecosystems
• Group simulation: Designing an integrated forest-health intervention
• Capstone project presentations and peer review
• Course reflection, feedback, and certification ceremony

General Notes

• The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
• The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
• All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
• This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org