Nature for Health Multi-Partner Trust Fund
Environmental and animal health are key determinants of human health, yet the underlying thinking of this “One Health” approach has not yet been mainstreamed in public health. The project tackles this gap and makes a contribution to a global understanding of “One Health” and for an effective, integrated implementation of the approach, specifically with the prevention of future pandemics in mind. The project supports building an evidence-base matched with action on the ground to mitigate risks and prevent zoonotic risks. The project will conduct “One Health fitness” policy assessments and provide cross-sector policy (e.g. environmental, health, land use, etc.) guidance for the creation and implementation of “One Health” approaches. These results will be achieved through partnerships on international, regional, national and local levels, and through inclusive co-creation processes involving key stakeholders.
- Countries
- Ecuador, Ghana, Kenya, Mongolia, Rwanda, Viet Nam
- IKI funding
- 50,000,000.00 €
- Duration
- 12/2021 till 12/2030
- Status
- open
- Implementing organisation
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- Implementing Partner
-
- International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) - Switzerland
- Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) - Canada
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
- United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)
State of implementation/results
- N4H Partners meetings held monthly, Steering Committee (SC) meetings quarterly, TAG meetings once every two months.
- Additional jurisdictions approved (Aug‑Nov 2025): Angola, Bhutan, Madagascar, the Pacific Island States (regional), the State of Campeche (Mexico, sub‑national) and Uzbekistan. Selections were announced at the CBD‑SBSTTA in Panama City on 21 Oct 2025.
- In early Dec 2025 the Secretariat sent formal letters introducing Convening Partner focal points to the EOI application contacts.
- In Jan 2026 a “lessons learned” workshop reviewed Phase I projects to improve Phase II implementation.
- The Secretariat provided guidance and feedback on three Implementation Project Documents (IPD) for Ecuador, Mongolia and Vietnam. Vietnam and Ecuador received conditional approval (Dec 2025 and Mar 2026).
- The Secretariat facilitated the process for the selection of UNDP and IUCN as Convening Partners for the Ghana N4H project, replacing ECO-Health Alliance following its dissolution in early 2025. The SC approved supplemental funding for the finalization of the Ghana N4H project. In 11/2025, the Secretariat participated in a supplemental workshop organized by UNDP in Accra to review and finalize the Ghana IPD.
- Progress in implementation of Phase I scoping projects:
- Ghana/EHA: From 11-12/2025, N4H Ghana scoping project made progress in finalizing the IPD. Following the transition of convening partners from EcoHealth Alliance to UNDP and IUCN, technical and stakeholder consultations were held in Accra in Nov 2025, bringing together UNDP, IUCN, the University of Ghana, and key government agencies across the One Health spectrum. UNDP, IUCN and country partners are finalizing the revised IPD for re-submission.
- Ecuador/UNDP: Sep Nov 2025 feedback meetings led to a revised IPD submitted Jan 2026. The SC meeting in Feb 2026 gave further comments. In early March, BMUKN also provided written comments to specify elements for revision especially with budget. The Secretariat initiated signing process, through the MPTFP Gateway, to initiate fund releases.
- Mongolia/WOAH: WOAH received IPD feedback from Secretariat and TAG in Apr 2025. The SC meeting in Feb 2026 decided to complete SC review by 17 March.
- Vietnam/IUCN: IUCN submitted revised IPD in late October. A subsequent review by Secretariat and TAG found that previous comments had not been fully incorporated, prompting a conditional approval to Vietnam IPD in mid-Jan 2026 and the first tranche to IUCN. IUCN is currently reviewing the IPD within three months of implementation phase.
- Rwanda/WHO: Over the past six months Rwanda established a core team and completed the scoping phase of the N4H initiative between Aug 2024 and Oct 2025. A comprehensive situational analysis on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and zoonotic spillover risk in Rwanda was developed through collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Environment, WHO, and the University of Global Health Equity. The final scoping workshop in 10/2025 consolidated the key findings and initiated preparation of the IPD. Rwanda is in the process of finalizing the IPD.
- Zambia/UNEP: The project is operationally and financially closed in Nov 2025.
- Kenya/UNEP: During the reporting period, the Kenya N4H project held bilateral meetings with several government sectors, academia and civil society relevant to N4H and established a core team comprising representatives from key sectors. Two online meetings were held with the core team to develop a scoping plan. Consequently, the Scoping Project Document was approved, and a request for funding made in Dec 2025.
- GAPBH/SCBD: Following SC approval to SCBD’s N4H project in May 2025, SCBD kicked off workshops and meetings with relevant partners and key actors. Significant progress was made to develop a draft proposal of an indicator on biodiversity and health, which will soon undergo peer reviews and will eventually be presented to COP 17.
Latest Update:
04/2026
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