World Health Day is marked today, April 7, a date that invites reflection on the major challenges threatening the well-being of populations and on the importance of integrated and sustainable responses. In this context, CESAM stands out for its mission grounded in the One Health concept, which recognizes the deep interconnection between people, animals, plants, and the environment in which they coexist.
The degradation of ecosystems, climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, the spread of pathogens, and the increase in antimicrobial resistance demonstrate that health issues cannot be analyzed in isolation. Air, water, and soil quality, the emergence of zoonotic diseases, the excessive use of antibiotics, and ecosystem contamination are some of the challenges that require an interdisciplinary approach.
Within this framework, CESAM conducts research that integrates different areas of knowledge to better understand the interactions between the environment and living systems, contributing to the development of public policies and mitigation strategies.
CESAM’s different research clusters contribute to this approach. Work in environmental monitoring, health, and risk assessment enables the study of the effects of pollution, emerging contaminants, and microorganisms on human and environmental health. Research in ecosystem management and conservation focuses on preserving biodiversity and ecosystem services, while work on soil functions, agriculture, and forests deepens the relationship between soils, food production, environmental quality, and health. This dimension is further complemented by contributions from other clusters, namely in marine and transitional ecosystems, oceanic and atmospheric modeling, and circular economy, reinforcing the integrated vision that characterizes the One Health approach.
Among the various topics studied at CESAM, research on mercury contamination in fish and its potential risks to human health stands out, including possible reproductive effects, highlighting the importance of understanding contaminant transfer along the food chain. Studies on microplastics and their presence in different ecosystems are also noteworthy, as well as research on the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which represent one of the greatest current challenges for public health.
Another relevant example is the study of urban air quality and its impacts on human health, integrating factors such as atmospheric particles, chemical pollutants, microorganisms, and urban vegetation. These studies help identify measures that promote healthier, more resilient, and sustainable cities, supporting public health and spatial planning policies.
Also noteworthy is the monitoring of water quality and aquatic ecosystems, including the detection of emerging contaminants, microplastics, and pathogens. This research is essential to ensure the safety of water resources, protect biodiversity, and reduce health risks.
By marking World Health Day, CESAM reinforces its commitment to science that connects environment, biodiversity, and health, contributing to anticipating risks, developing innovative solutions, and promoting more sustainable societies. In a world marked by increasingly complex global challenges, the One Health approach is essential to foster a more sustainable balance between people, other living beings, and the environment.
News by Amadeu Soares, Director of CESAM, and Artur Alves, CESAM/DBIO researcher and professor at the Department of Biology of the University of Aveiro (Vice-Coordinator of Research Cluster 5 – Environmental Monitoring, Health and Risk Assessment).