Habitat loss and the emergence of epidemics: the importance of socializing the One Health concept in environmental awareness

Eixo temático: Saúde única e seus saberes

Abstract

The Habitat loss causes disruption on the environmental dynamics, unbalancing this One Health’s pillar, and affecting the other pillars: animal and human health. So that the impacts of anthropic action decrease, scientific dissemination has been a great ally, popularizing knowledge and promoting awareness among the population. This action research assesses the potential of the online roundtable: "What does evolution have to tell us about habitat loss and the emergence of epidemics?" in One Health promotion. The event, held on September 10, 2020 by the university extension project "Evolução Para Todos", provided a debate between speakers, from the virology and ecology areas applied to conservation, and the audience of 236 people from different backgrounds and locations, about evolutionary and ecological aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the lectures, there was a debate with direct public participation, clarifying doubts and expanding the concepts discussion. This action research showed that scientific dissemination is an essential ally against the impacts of anthropic actions, which, in the theme’s context can affect the One Health’s three main pillars. The participants brought positive feedback, demonstrating the importance of debates like this in raising society's awareness.