Dear {name},

The Alliance presented a poster at the Planetary Health 2024 Annual Meeting (PHAM) in Kuala Lumpur from 16 to 19 April, 2024. Pandemics and infectious diseases were not on the agenda during the four-day conference. Instead, under the conference theme 'From evidence to action: confronting reality', the latest developments were discussed with representatives from the private sector, investment strategies, religious communities and education experts on how existing knowledge can be used to tackle the problems we face. At the end, the Planetary Health Action Plan with a roadmap and the so-called 'Corporate Planetary Health Indicators' were presented. 

As discussions were proceeding regarding the Pandemic Agreement, the Alliance Secretariat extended an invitation to its members to endorse an Open Letter addressed to the WHO International Negotiating Body (INB). This letter, written by members of the Alliance's Science-Policy Working Group, advocated for the incorporation of measures concerning zoonotic spillover prevention and wildlife trade into the ongoing negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement. Developed with the assistance from the Alliance's Working Group, the letter was submitted during the 9th meeting of the INB, which was held March 18-28, 2024.

We thank everyone who supported the advocacy for prevention at the source, wildlife considerations, and wildlife trade as integral components of the agreement. 

The Frontiers in Conservation Science journal is particularly interested in papers that empirically investigate how zoonotic pathogen risk can be mitigated in conjunction with activities that instill biophilia towards zoonotic pathogen hosts. Submission deadline is July 31, 2024.

This Special Issue seeks contributions that explore the health aspects of the trade in wild species, covering interactions between humans, wild and domestic animals, and their surroundings.  Submission deadline is June 30, 2024.

The Frontiers in Conservation Science journal is seeking papers that use social science approaches/tools to empirically investigate aspects of environmental justice in the international wildlife trade. Submission deadline is July 31, 2024.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp has opened a vacancy for professorship on Experimental Parasitology. The Institute is looking for someone with a background in molecular biology with a demonstrated track record in experimental parasitology, parasite genetics and Leishmania research, a PhD degree in biology, veterinary science, biomedical sciences, medicine, or in an equivalent field and further skills in developing molecular methods or grant writing and PhD supervision. The application deadline is May 31, 2024.

Many of you might have noticed that the Steering Committee interim elections are currently taking place. On March 26 - 28, 18 funded projects joined for three days of fruitful, inspiring and rich exchanges. After some funky introduction rounds, the numerous projects gathered in thematic and geographic break-out sessions to connect and share the results, impacts, lessons learned and obstacles from two years of implementation experiences. The participants engaged in lively debates around topics such as the necessity of bushmeat consumption as existential source of protein and forged synergies for future exchanges. At this point we would like to thank our former junior consultant Mascha Kaddori for her excellent organisation skills that made this symposium possible - we miss her dearly! 

In March, EcoHealth Alliance in conjunction with TRAFFIC has organised an interactive workshop on 'Behaviour change strategies to mitigate zoonotic risk at human-wildlife interfaces related to wildlife trade in Vietnam', supported by the Alliance's Secretariat. After three speakers presented on their work, the audience engaged in three main discussion questions to assess high risk human-wildlife interfaces and the effectiveness of behavioural change. Different experiences were shared, such as the importance of identifying gaps in the assessment of the risk of human-wildlife interfaces, or the importance to differentiate between attitudes and behavioural changes. If you want to read up on the results of the discussion,  you can find more information in the Alliance's Members Area. 

On Tuesday, April 16, the Alliance Secretariat had the honour of hosting another episode of the Expert Talks, this time, with Dr. Iyad Abumoghli, Founder and Director of the Faith for Earth Initiative. In his talk, Dr. Abumoghli delved into the intersection of faith, wildlife, and biodiversity, exploring how religious beliefs can influence human behaviour towards the conservation of our planet's precious ecosystems and wildlife. From understanding the intrinsic value of animals in religious teachings to discussing the role of faith-based organisations in shaping global biodiversity frameworks, the event offered insights into the powerful potential of religion to promote environmental stewardship and ethical action. 

The Secretariat has hosted another Voices from the Ground event with the GIZ country package in Vietnam.  The programme leader Anja Barth and programme officer Nhung Nguyen have presented on 'informing policy and technical recommendations to ensure biosecurity at facilities farming wild animals in Viet Nam'. Fortunately, the WCS/PPATS project has joined the event to also present on the 'socioeconomic impact of commercial wildlife trade and its relation to zoonotic risk of emerging infectious diseases in north Sulawesi and Gorontalo' in Indonesia. The presentations were followed by interesting discussions and inputs, and experiences from other countries were shared as well. To watch the recording of the event, visit the Members Area. 

Before the start of a well-deserved summer/winter break, the Alliance Secretariat is excited to welcome Dr. Katie Woolaston for another Expert Talk on Wednesday, May 29, as well as Dr. Johannes Refisch in June. Stay tuned for another Voices from the Ground Event with the Alliance funded project on Knowledge, Practices, and Attitudes in Chile, Bolivia, Guatemala, and Brazil implemented by LMU. 

The Alliance is all about giving your work more visibility and connect different stakeholders that can thrive from each other’s expertise. Here is how to get active:

1. News Centre

Showcase your content by submitting blog posts, research, and upcoming projects to the Secretariat. We encourage you to also submit your contributions in any other languages besides English.

2. Community Pitches

Share your projects, news, and events in Community Pitches! Following Alliance events, you will have the opportunity to present your pitches to the community and promote collaboration. Email us to submit your pitches (2-3 minutes max).

3. Formats

We currently have the formats “Expert Talk” and “Voices from the Ground”. Get in touch with us, if you wish to learn more about them or would like to organise an event with the Alliance.

4. Interactive Website Members Area

Discover the interactive members area on our website, where you can connect with others, request information, access event recordings, find relevant reads, and explore collaboration opportunities. Our Onboarding Video will help you to get started! Of course, you can also download our Media Kit and spread the word.

5. Project Map

Fill out the project profile and we will put you on the Project Map! Find the form here.