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Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health: Key Concepts and Principles

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Ecosystems and Human Health

Abstract

The previous chapter discussed some of the key milestones leading to the emergence of the ecosystem approach to human health. This evolution occurred in both the public health and natural resources management sectors, and was buttressed by global initiatives seeking to promote sustainable development. Within the public health sector, the conceptualization of health and its determinants evolved from a narrow, individualistic and biomedical perspective to a broader, ecological and holistic perspective. Similar events in the natural resources sector saw a move towards a more integrated approach to natural resources management, with concerns for human health taking centre stage. Globally, there have been a number of initiatives drawing attention to the interdependencies among society, environment and the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    Grassy Narrows protests mercury poisoning. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/04/07/tor-grassy-narrows.html. Accessed April 10th, 2010.

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  1. Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

    Crescenti Y. Dakubo Ph.D

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Correspondence to Crescenti Y. Dakubo Ph.D .

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Dakubo, C.Y. (2011). Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health: Key Concepts and Principles. In: Ecosystems and Human Health. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0206-1_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-0206-1_3

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