Highlights from the first year implementation of the ABCG’s working group on Global Health Linkages to Biodiversity COnservation: Linking Freshwater Conservation and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (FW-WASH) were discussed at this event. The  task aims to generate information on the impacts of infrastructure developments on watersheds in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as the impacts of freshwater conservation in meeting WASH goals. By linking freshwater conservation and WASH, ABCG expects reduced watershed degradation and pollution will improve the health of freshwater ecosystems and species. Presentations will include project experiences from South Africa (Conservation International (CI) and Conservation South Africa, CI’s local affiliate) and Uganda (the Jane Goodall Institute) that are building on tools developed previously under ABCG.

Featured Speakers

Janet Edmond is the Senior Director for Peace and Development Partnerships in the Policy Center for Environment and Peace at CI.  Ms. Edmond has more than 26 years of experience managing integrated health, development and biodiversity conservation programs in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. She has more than 17 years technically and financially managing US Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded health, development and environment grants and cooperative agreements and holds a Masters in Public Health from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine.

Colleen Sorto co-leads an initiative at CI to improve collaboration with humanitarian relief and development organizations by forming partnerships centered on integrated approaches to development and environmental conservation.  Previously, Ms. Sorto spent five years developing and implementing CI’s global freshwater strategy, with a focus on promoting integrated landscape planning and field-based partnerships with development organizations in the Americas, Africa, and Asia.  

Peter Apell is the Programs Director for the JGI – Uganda. He has over 14 years’ experience in developing and managing multifaceted integrated conservation and development programs in Africa. During his tenure at JGI, Peter has played a major role in seeking alternative and sustainable options that address livelihood-centered conservation threats while maximizing socioeconomic and environmental benefits. Peter holds degrees in Sustainable International Development and in Veterinary Medicine with a focus on wildlife health.

Event Resources

Click here for presentation slides>

Click below to watch the webinar from the event.

Watch an introductory video on Conservation South Africa’s One Health program below.

Click here to watch it on youtube