“One Health is a fundamental asset for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals globally, the Green Deal in the European Union, and the implementation of corresponding policies.”
This is emphasized in an interview hosted on the website of the Mediterranean Innovation Center for One Health by Zacharoula Andreopoulou.
Zacharoula Andreopoulou is a Professor of Forest Informatics and Technologies for Green Regional Policy in the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the Chair of the Scientific Council of the Mediterranean One Health Innovation Centre.

The Interview:

1st Question: What exactly does One Health mean?
Answer: One Health is expressed as the shared understanding of the concept of health on our planet. It is an indivisible chain linking human health, animal health, biodiversity, and ecosystems. It highlights the undeniable relationship and interaction between the natural environment, humans, and fauna, as well as their shared vulnerability.

2nd Question: On a practical level, in our daily lives, how does One Health contribute to the promotion and protection of Public Health?
Answer: One Health promotes and safeguards Public Health by developing innovative protocols and standards for the early detection, systematic recording, management, and ultimately control of diseases that may threaten the well-being and quality of life of communities.

3rd Question: How crucial is the role of One Health in addressing pandemic threats like the recent global crisis, as well as other threats such as the Food and Climate crisis?
Answer: When implemented through a governmental strategy with appropriate detection, warning systems, and comprehensive public awareness mechanisms on diseases, hygiene, and health security, One Health can serve as a dynamic tool for holistic crisis management, impact mitigation, and restoration of normalcy.

4th Question: How can an active citizen become informed and contribute to the promotion of One Health’s goals?
Answer: The Mediterranean One Health Innovation Centre is an innovative hub for research, public awareness, and the transfer of scientific findings to society. Any active citizen can stay informed through the center’s activities and seminars.

5th Question: Is One Health an additional asset for all of us in mitigating the consequences of the Climate Crisis and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals?
Answer: One Health is a key asset for achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals globally, the Green Deal in the European Union, and implementing relevant policies, such as:

• Climate Strategy,
• Life on Land,
• Life Below Water,
• Clean Water,
• Safe Supply Chains,
• Actions for Equality and Justice,
• Collaboration and networking initiatives among stakeholders.

About Zacharoula Andreopoulou

Zacharoula Andreopoulou is the Chair of the Scientific Council of the Mediterranean One Health Innovation Centre.
She is a Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki specializing in Forest Informatics and Technologies for Green Regional Policies in the Department of Forestry and Natural Environment.
She holds:

• A degree in Mathematics,
• A degree in Forestry and Natural Environment,
• A Ph.D. in Forest Informatics.

She has conducted postdoctoral research at:

• University of East London (2004),
• University of Naples (2013),
• University of Basilicata, Italy (2018).

She is the Director of the Laboratory of Forest Informatics.
Additionally, she is:

• Director of the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Program “Tourism and Local Development” at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
• Director of the Postgraduate Program “Sustainable Management of Forest and Natural Ecosystems”.
  She is also a member of the Sustainable Development Committee and the International Relations Committee of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.