This policy brief from Biodiversa+ examines how nature restoration can contribute to reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases while supporting the implementation of the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Drawing on scientific evidence and policy analysis, the brief highlights that ecosystem degradation, habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss are major drivers of disease emergence. In contrast, well-designed restoration can help rebuild ecological complexity, improve ecosystem resilience and reduce the dominance of species more likely to host and transmit pathogens.
The brief presents restoration as both an environmental and public health investment. It introduces a safe-by-design approach that integrates zoonotic risk considerations into restoration planning, monitoring and governance. Key recommendations include incorporating One Health expertise into National Restoration Plans and monitoring biodiversity and disease indicators together.
Authors: Goffaux, R., Durieux, C., de Bouville, J., Kirkpatrick, L., Jagadesh, S., Kabisch, N., Ecke, F., & Bunnefeld, N. (2026). Reducing zoonotic risk through nature restoration: Context, challenges and recommendations for National Restoration Plans in the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation. Biodiversa+. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20750160