The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is a Crown corporation created by the Parliament of Canada in 1970 to help developing countries use science and technology to find practical, long-term solutions to the social, economic, and environmental problems they face. Our support is directed toward creating a local research community whose work will build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.

The Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health Program at IDRC supports research on the relationship between all components of an ecosystem to define and assess priority problems that affect the health of people and the sustainability of their ecosystem. In seeking to improve human health and well-being while simultaneously maintaining a healthy ecosystem, the emphasis is on the design of solutions based on ecosystem management rather than health sector interventions.

Mission

The Association's mission is to strive for sustainable health of people, wildlife and ecosystems by promoting discovery, understanding and transdisciplinarity.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the Association toward this overarching mission are to:

• Serve a diverse international community including scientists, educators, policy makers, practitioners and the general public;
  
  
• Provide mechanisms and forums to facilitate international and interdisciplinary discourse through publication of the journal EcoHealth by holding biennial conferences and promoting additional activities in line with the mission;
  
  
• Encourage develpoment of transdisciplinary teaching, research and problem-solving that cut across many fields of scholarship (including natural, social and health sciences, and the humanities) and draws upon multiple types of knowledge.

The National Institute of Public Health has a long history in the public health area that started with the founding of the first school of public health of Latin America and Mexico. Last year, the INSP celebrated its 25th anniversary. The INSP is known for its extensive research in public health on the national and regional level. The INSP is also in the midst of a renovation process inspired by mission oriented research. Events such as the International Ecohealth Forum help to bring us closer to fulfilling our mission which is “contributing to social equity by promoting complete health of the population through the production and dissemination of knowledge, the innovation of health systems and the formation of human resources for Public Health”.

Over the last eight years, INSP has developed research projects using the eco-systemic approach in the areas of vector-borne diseases and exposure to toxics derived from environmental degradation. Currently the INSP is working on the development of projects under this approach in three different research centers within our institution: the Center for Research on Infectious Diseases, the Center for Population Health Research and the Regional Center for Research on Population Health located in Tapachula, Chiapas. This type of research has been effective mostly due to the incorporation of elements such as trans-disciplinarity, social participation, social equity and gender equity. Because of this incorporation, interest has been shown for applying this type of focuses in other areas of public health such as chronic diseases and nutrition research.

We believe that by hosting the International Ecohealth Forum in Mexico, we will be able to draw in more researchers, health professionals, policymakers and students from developed and developing countries, exchanging information on regional and global issues, helping to “bridge the gap”. The ecohealth forum will also allow the INSP to strengthen as a leader in the region in both teaching and research on the ecosystem approach. This conference will be a chance for INSP to continue collaborating with other institutions, promoting international projects and conceptual work on ecohealth.

The Institute for Ecological Research of Brazil works in areas where modern social and environmental conflicts have raised new issues for conservation biology and conservation medicine. IPÊ is seeking to ameliorate conditions for both humans and wildlife by building a healthier environment. IPÊ’s Mission is to develop and disseminate innovative models of biodiversity conservation that promote socio-economic benefits through science, education and sustainable business.