Until recently, recognition of the value of the natural environment as a health asset was lacking in health and environmental policy. Interdisciplinary research at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health led to a paradigm shift in how health policy, environmental planning and public heath practice harness the potential of natural environments for supporting health.

Creating a coherent body of evidence

Across a decade of work, a targeted combination of approaches including observational epidemiological studies, lab-based experimental studies, field experiments, qualitative research, evidence synthesis (including systematic reviews), and policy and practice analyses have been used to build a coherent body of evidence.

This research has demonstrated, quantified and transformed understanding of the contribution of natural environments to human population health and well-being.

A WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health

Since 2019, the European Centre for Environment and Human Health has been designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre on Natural Environments and Health. This designation recognises the Centre’s significant contribution to science and policy-making on the interconnections between environment and human health.

Changing mind-sets, strategies and practice

Research from the Centre has changed policy mind-sets, strategies and practice. Evidence has strengthened conservation, environmental management and investment policy at scales from local to international by clarifying the role of ‘natural capital’ in supporting human health and wellbeing.

Traditionally, environmental policies relating to human health have been dominated by hazards; our evidence means these are now balanced by the recognition of the health and well-being benefits of good quality natural environments. This research impact has been amplified through active engagement and close collaborations with policy bodies who have recognised our expertise and invited participation in a range of expert advisory roles and joint projects.

Influencing international policy on natural environment and health

Our research has led to changes in international policy and strategy in both the health and environment sectors. Since 2015, we have worked with the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on urban greenspace, biodiversity and health. Our 2014 systematic review of links between biodiverse environments and ‘good’ health was used to inform the ratification of two key CBD decisions on biodiversity and human health, with a joint CBD/WHO report co-authored by Dr Rebecca Lovell. These decisions invite the 195 nation state signatories, and the European Union, to act on the linkages in developing health and environmental strategies.

These international decisions set the context for national policymaking, including the UK Government 25 Year Plan for the Environment. The CBD/WHO report was also used to inform the implementation of the relevant 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 by all UN member states (especially SDG3 (health), but also SDGs 7 (water quality) and 11 (nature-based solutions to challenges related to urban well-being).

Recognition of our research outputs and expertise led to Professor Michael Depledge and Professor Benedict Wheeler contributing one of three chapters of the key 2016 WHO evidence review, on Urban green spaces and health, underpinning WHO urban greenspace action.

The multitude of ways in which the natural environment and human health are inextricably linked have been outlined in a document designed to help individuals and organisations across the 53 member states of the WHO European Region make evidence-based decisions.

Requested by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, and authored by experts at the University of Exeter, the review is entitled ‘Nature, Biodiversity and Health: an Overview of interconnections and priorities’.

The document is largely aimed at people who make decisions in the health and environment sectors, yet may not have extensive experience of considering the links between the two areas.

Lead author Prof Ben Wheeler said: “We must do all we can to support and encourage the interdependence of the health and environment sectors. This WHO report focuses on the myriad ways that nature, biodiversity and ecosystems can support and protect our health and wellbeing. It also explores how environmental change and loss of biodiversity – from plant and animal species to microbiomes within the human gut – can threaten human health.”

A further report ‘Assessing the value of urban green and blue spaces for health and well-being’ was requested by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Europe, and authored by experts at ECEHH.

The document aims to support individuals and organisations across the 53 member states of the WHO European Region in making evidence-based decisions. It is intended to stimulate discussion and action among policy-makers and practitioners and to support these stakeholders in making decisions in this complex space.