Field Building Leadership Initiative: Advancing Ecohealth in Southeast Asia Hung Nguyen-Viet, Center for Public Health and Ecosystem Research (CENPHER), Hanoi School of Public health, Hanoi, Vietnam & Regional Core Group Members of FBLI: Pornpit Silkavute, Dinh Xuan Tung, Pattamaporn Kittayapong, Fang Jing, Xu Jianchu, Wiku Adisasmito, Sonia Fèvre, Hein Mallee Introduction Ecohealth is useful for addressing health and environmental issues in developing countries, in particular in South East Asia (SEA) where agricultural intensification processes have profound implications for ecosystems and health. However, using the ecohealth approach to comprehensively tackle complex issues requires individual, institutional and country capacity in understanding and applying this approach within the context of the region. The newly developed program Field Building Leadership Initiative: advancing ecohealth in SEA (FBLI) aims at building the field of ecohealth by integrating research, training, policy and networking to focus on solving human health problems associated with agricultural intensification in SEA countries. Components FBLI vision A well-established field of ecohealth that is: Sustainable (networking, diversified funding) Institutionalized (joint MoUs, adopted curricula) Influential in global processes that drive environmental and health policy and practice Supported by a strong community of practice that includes key researchers and policy makers. The ultimate impact is seen in more sustainable agricultural practices and livelihoods, and in healthier people and environments. Field Building Leadership Initiative: Advancing Ecohealth in South East Asia Knowledge translation Objectives 1. Conduct ecohealth research to address human health problems related to agricultural intensification. 2. Strengthen the capacity within SEA for ecohealth research and practice by ecohealth training to build leadership and expertise in the ecohealth field. 3. Engage key policy makers – at local and national levels – to interact with the ecohealth research teams, sites and communities 4. Facilitate networking-of-networks and knowledge sharing to mainstream ecohealth approaches and foster the development of the ecohealth field in the region Research Using ecohealth approaches to manage ecosystems and health in the context of agricultural intensification Generate knowledge: links and interactions among agricultural practices, ecosystems, and health. Develop practical and innovative solutions to address health and environment problems identified. Engage with local policy makers during the early stage of the research process, and to inform them about research findings. Multi-institutional, inter-disciplinary team Capacity building Research Capacity Building Knowledge translation New Generation of Ecohealth Field Builders DEGREE EDUCATION Degree Programmes In Ecohealth (long-term training of field builders) Training of the Trainers (short-term training of lecturers/advisors) Future Leaders Training in Ecohealth (short-term training of potential leaders) Promote linkages between the research and policy communities by establishing and cultivating relationships, especially among senior researchers and middle-level policy makers Build their capacity to translate research evidence to inform and influence policy decisions Policy alliance groups are core vehicle 5 years: 2012-2017 Ecohealth is well-positioned to become a sustainable dynamic field in Southeast Asia. Path-breaking research findings and practical solutions A robust and critical mass of training materials and pedagogy, regional cases, best practices, and regional short courses and degree programs. Strong and enduring linkages among policy makers and researchers. Planning and Outcomes Partners Coordinating Unit CENPHER - Hanoi School of Public Health 138 Giang Vo, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, Vietnam T: (+84) 4.62733162, F: (+84) 4.62733172 E: [email protected] W: http://cenpher.hsph.edu.vn/FBLI http://ecohealthnetwork.org