Outcomes from the First European Planetary Health Hub Convening at ARTIS in Amsterdam

Abstract

A new network of over 72 organizations from 12 countries was activated during a convening at ARTIS in Amsterdam on 26–27 September 2022. Representatives are aligned with the transdisciplinary field and social movement of Planetary Health, which analyzes and addresses the impacts of human disruptions to natural systems on human health and all life on Earth. The new European Planetary Health Hub consists of organizations from various sectors, including universities, healthcare, youth, business, and civil society. The Convening, co-organized by the Planetary Health Alliance (PHA), the European Environment and Sustainable Development Advisory Councils Network (EEAC), and Natura Artis Magistra (ARTIS), aimed to develop Planetary Health Working Groups for Education, Policy Engagement, Research, and Movement Building. The Convening resulted in an outline for each of the Working Group’s aims, visions, missions, priorities, and activities, and set the framework for sustaining their activities in the future through the establishment of the European Planetary Health Hub Secretariat in the Netherlands. The Hub members shared lessons learned, built relationships, and developed artwork-inspired perspectives on Planetary Health. In conclusion, the Convening led to the establishment of a strong European foundation to contribute to the transformations needed for sustainable, just, and equitable societies that flourish within the limits of our ecosystems.

The revised European Definition of General Practice/Family Medicine. A pivotal role of One Health, Planetary Health and Sustainable Development Goals

“…They also have a unique position as a role model for patients in leading a sustainable way of life. Family Medicine is at the heart of primary care for patients, and primary care is at the heart of the health system, so GP/FM has a strategic advocacy role into linking with other sectors at the community, regional and national levels, and with policy makers for health and environment [ 14 ].…”

Outcomes from the First European Planetary Health Congress at ARTIS in Amsterdam

“…Alexandre Robert 1,2 , Fabio Balli 3,2 , Nadja Moser 4,2 , and Nadine Henschel 5,2 ( 1 Alliance Santé Planétaire, France; 2 Festival 'taking care together', Switzerland; 3 Concordia University, Canada; 4 Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, German; 5 Science Po Paris, France).…”

“…Ralf Klemens Stappen 1 , Josep M. Antó 2 , Remco Kort 3,4 , Tulsi Modi 5 , Marju Prass 6 , Alexandre Robert 7 ( 1 University Witten-Herdecke, Germany; 2 IS Global-Barcelona, Spain; 3 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 4 ARTIS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; 5 Planetary Health Alliance, USA; 6 Lahti University Campus and University of Helsinki, Finland; 7 Alliance Santé Planétaire, Paris, France).…”

“…The European Hub of the Planetary Health Alliance aims to inspire, promote, and develop interactions and synergies among actors in the field of Planetary Health [4]. Consequently, the July 2023 Congress lunch workshop of the Movement Building Working Group focused on (re)connecting, community building, and moving to action.…”

“…The First European Planetary Health Congress, which followed the first formal inperson convening in Amsterdam in September 2022 [4], co-organized by ARTIS and the European Planetary Health Hub [5], provided a platform to explore the multifaceted challenges of Planetary Health and reinforce existing connections, building upon previously formed Working Groups focusing on: (i) education, (ii) research, (iii) policy, and (iv) movement-building. These Working Groups addressed pressing challenges, including resource overuse, climate disasters, food insecurity, and loss of biodiversity, highlighting the transdisciplinary nature of Planetary Health [4]. The First European Planetary Health Congress also emphasized the importance of science in addressing societal issues and advocated for a strengthened Planetary Health network (for the complete program, see Supplemental File S1).…”