At this Expert Talk Julia Fa will explore the vital collaboration between researchers and rural and Indigenous communities with us, delving into the intricate relationship between wildlife use and zoonotic diseases. By engaging with these communities, it is possible to gain profound insights into the intricate web of human-wildlife interactions. She examines the diverse ways in which wildlife is utilized in the Amazon and Congo Basins, the cultural significance it holds, and the potential zoonotic disease risks. The talk underscores the importance of bridging traditional ecological knowledge and modern science to safeguard both human and wildlife well-being. It sheds light on the shared responsibility of conserving ecosystems and mitigating zoonotic threats, emphasizing the invaluable role of community-driven partnerships.
Expert Talk with Julia E. Fa
Tuesday, November 14th, 12:00 – 13:30 CEST
About the Speaker
Julia Fa is a senior research associate at the Centre for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and has more than 30 years’ experience in academic research and teaching in conservation science. She has held teaching and research positions in various universities and worked at the Durell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey, where she was responsible for conservation science activities for the organisation. Currently she is professor of Biodiversity and Human Development at Britain’s Manchester Metropolitan University and a visiting professor at the University of Malaga, Spain and Research Fellow at the University of Gibraltar. Her research spans several disciplines, including biology, economics, anthropology, human livelihoods and zoonotic diseases.
About the Alliance
The International Alliance against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade serves as an inclusive and interdisciplinary platform to discuss challenges and formulate solutions vis-á-vis human-wildlife interfaces and associated health risks and the emergence and spread of zoonotic pathogens from wildlife. The Alliance is aiming to enhance international and national awareness, knowledge, policies and action, not least by narrowing the gap between science and implementation.
We are very much looking forward to the kick-off event for our guiding question abouthow cultural and behavioral factors impact handling in the wildlife trade and therefore pathogen spillover risks. Please feel free to forward and share this invitation with interested colleagues.