The One Health Framework: A Global and Local Imperative

The One Health framework advocates for integrated solutions to health issues that intersect the domains of human, animal, plant and environmental systems. The emergence of zoonotic diseases such as COVID-19 and Ebola at a global level highlights the critical need for One Health approaches in disease prevention and ecological integrity (Moyo et al., 2023;Ateudjieu et al., 2023) . In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the intersection of high disease burdens and severe environmental degradation necessitates the adoption of multidisciplinary strategies that can effectively address these interconnected issues (Kaswa et al., 2023; World Organization for Animal Health, 2024).

Nigeria, as the most populous nation in Africa, encounters significant One Health challenges, including the prevalence of zoonotic diseases like Lassa fever, anthrax, and other endemic health threats (Lucero-Prisno et al., 2023; AI-Mustapha et al., 2024). The exacerbation of these issues is closely linked to habitat destruction, deforestation, overgrazing, and the degradation of natural resources, all of which are compounded by weakened public health infrastructure and inadequate health service delivery (Aborode et al., 2023). The World Bank and the World Health Organization (WHO) have strongly advocated for the One Health approach as a mechanism to enhance health systems while preserving ecosystem integrity(World Bank, 2024). However, to implement One Health principles effectively in Nigeria, tailored strategies must be developed that account for local environmental contexts, cultural nuances, and socio-economic conditions.

Economic Incentives for Conservation: A One Health Perspective

Economic incentive schemes, such as Payments for Environmental Services (PES), conservation subsidies, and biodiversity offsets, have demonstrated efficacy in promoting sustainable land use and protecting biodiversity (Israel et al., 2015). By preserving natural habitats, PES schemes can diminish human-wildlife interactions which, in turn, lowers the risk of zoonotic disease spillovers. Globally recognized examples, such as forest conservation projects in tropical regions, have shown considerable success in improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing disease outbreaks linked to environmental degradation.

In the Nigerian context, implementing PES mechanisms in places like Oyo State to reward farmers for conserving ecologically sensitive lands presents a promising avenue (Reyes-Hernández, 2023). By expanding such models nationally, Nigeria can create alignment between economic growth, conservation mandates, and One Health goals. The integration of biodiversity protection, disease prevention, and community wellness represents a holistic approach that can be effectively supported by the National Resources Conservation Council and adapted for broader applications throughout Nigeria. However, it is critical that these economic incentives are designed based on robust scientific evidence and tailored to the unique ecological and socio-economic landscapes of various regions within the country.

Human-Centered Conservation Programs: Engaging Communities for One Health Outcomes

The success of conservation programs fundamentally hinges on robust community engagement. Involving local populations in the design and implementation of conservation initiatives ensures that conservation goals resonate with cultural values and socio-economic realities. Programs that link conservation incentives with tangible health outcomes, such as improved access to clean water, enhanced nutrition, and reduced disease prevalence can foster local buy-in and promote enduring environmental stewardship among communities (Sorice & Donlan, 2015).

Human-centered conservation initiatives in Nigeria can facilitate synergies between environmental protection and health promotion. Engaging community members in activities such as reforestation, sustainable agricultural practices, and wildlife protection not only contributes to ecological restoration but also enhances public health outcomes by reducing exposure to zoonotic diseases (Society for Conservation Biology, 2024). By establishing clear links between conservation incentives and measurable health improvements, such as lower rates of waterborne illnesses or decreased incidence of vector-borne diseases, these programs can underscore the dual benefits of integrating conservation with public health.

The Figure 1 framework illustrates how incentive-based conservation strategies connect to One Health Goals through three key pathways: economic incentives, community engagement, and biodiversity protection. These elements directly influence human, animal, plant and environmental health, which are interdependent pillars of the One Health approach. For example, economic incentives, such as Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES), encourage sustainable farming practices that protect habitats, reducing zoonotic disease risks like Lassa fever. Community engagement fosters local participation in conservation and health practices, such as reforestation projects that improve water quality for humans and livestock. Biodiversity protection supports ecosystem services like air and water filtration, essential for public health. Together, these efforts converge to achieve One Health Goals by addressing shared health challenges across humans, animals, plants and ecosystems.

The Role of Ecosystem Services in One Health

Ecosystem services, which include provision of clean water, air purification, and climate regulation, are essential to advancing One Health initiatives. Incentive-based conservation plays a critical role in safeguarding these services, thereby ensuring that benefits are shared among human and environmental communities alike. For instance, the restoration of mangroves can protect coastal populations from flooding, while simultaneously providing critical habitats for diverse species, thereby enhancing biodiversity.

Moreover, the protection and restoration of health-promoting ecosystem services are instrumental in preventing public health risks associated with environmental degradation, such as outbreaks of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. The scientific literature supports the assertion that ecosystems in good health offer natural solutions to mitigating health challenges; thus, conservation strategies must be designed to prioritize the maintenance of ecosystem function in Nigeria.

A Call to Action

​Embracing incentive-based conservation strategies within the One Health framework offers a transformative opportunity for Nigeria to effectively tackle its pressing health and environmental challenges.​ Policymakers must prioritize these approaches through various strategic initiatives, including:

• Strengthening national frameworks, such as the National Resources Conservation Council, to ensure comprehensive policy integration across sectors.
• Scaling up community-centered conservation programs that synergistically address conservation and public health.
• Investing in capacity-building initiatives that promote multi-sectoral collaboration, ensuring that stakeholders from health, agriculture, and environmental sectors work collectively towards common goals.

The future socio-economic and environmental stability of Nigeria rests upon integrated strategies that recognize the inherent interdependence between human, animal, plant and ecosystem health. By harnessing One Health aligned conservation incentives, Nigeria has the potential to build a resilient and healthy society, thus benefiting both present and future generations. It is imperative that these strategies are informed by scientific research and best practices from global examples, ensuring effectiveness and sustainability in the long run.