FAO enhances One Health capacity in wildlife and environment sectors

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) made significant progress in addressing critical challenges in wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and One Health implementation during a recent One Health Field Epidemiology Project Closeout & Planning Meeting. FAO's Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) introduced the Field Training Program for Wildlife, Environment Biodiversity & Ecosystems (FTP-WEBE) to ECTAD animal health professionals in sub-Sahara Africa (FAO-RAF). FTP-WEBE is a novel in-service training program designed to empower professionals from Ministries of Environment, Wildlife, Natural Resource Management and Forestry.

Developed by FAO and initially implemented in Asia, the FTP-WEBE fills a crucial gap in capacity building within the wildlife and environment sectors, complementing existing initiatives for Ministries of Health (FETP) and Veterinary Services (FETPV & ISAVET). According to Scott Newman, Senior Animal Production Health Officer at RAP,  “This training program is relevant to both FAO RAP and RAF, as diseases know no borders and where there is a need to enhance prevention, preparedness and response to health risks at Human-Animal-Ecosystem interface while bolstering One Health capacity; especially for the wildlife and environment sector professionals across regions”.

Through a blended learning approach involving self-guided study, lectures, fieldwork, and practical experiences, FTP-WEBE fosters collaboration among human, animal, and environmental health professionals.

Key objectives include enhancing the technical capacity wildlife and environment professionals, and enabling their participation in One Health initiatives. Anticipated outcomes range from preventing further degradation of the environment, to mitigating impacts of zoonotic diseases and antimicrobial resistance.

To support implementation, FAO has developed an Environment Sector Mapping and Needs Assessment Tool, a comprehensive curriculum framework, training manuals and assessment materials. The training is tailored and refined to meet specific country requirements.FTP-WEBE is significant for Africa, as it addresses capacity gaps among environment and wildlife professionals. This program also aligns with existing initiatives such as the Global Health Security Program (GHSP), funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank. Through empowering professionals and promoting collaboration, FTP-WEBE plays a vital role in sustainable resource management and biodiversity preservation, crucial for Africa's future.

As FAO continues to implement FTP-WEBE, collaboration with national stakeholders will be crucial for its success. Working together across regions, FAO aims to build a more resilient and sustainable future for people, animals, and the planet.