Objectives The “One Health” concept aims to integrate the resources of multiple disciplines and industries for holistic health research and management, with a focus on the health interrelationships between human, animal, and the environment as they interact with each other. The current urban biodiversity conservation strategy often focuses on the protection of natural territories and specific species, while ignoring the importance of human – animal symbiosis for spatial planning. In the context of the construction of China’s ecological civilization and the implementation of the national strategy of “Healthy China”, this research aims to propose a new planning strategy that considers the healthy coexistence of human and animal in territorial spatial planning.
Methods This research conducts a comprehensive literature review to explore the potential links between the “One Health” perspective and territorial spatial planning, with a view to elucidating the intricate mechanism of interaction between human and animal in both urban and rural spaces. The focus of this exploration is on integrating the diverse needs of human and animal health into the spatial planning process.
Results Human and animal in urban and rural spaces have complex interrelationships that can have positive or negative effects on each other’s health. At the same time, the state of the ecological system and environment also has a joint impact on human and animal health. By clarifying the mechanism of human – animal – environment interaction, the research hopes to better mitigate the conflict between the three through spatial planning, so as to promote the common prosperity and health of human and animal. The formulation, implementation, and evaluation of territorial spatial planning following the objectives, principles, and methods of “One Health” may help balance the health needs of both human and animal and realize the harmonious coexistence and common development of human and animal. This research introduces three key spatial planning strategies and considerations for optimizing the planning process. Firstly, reasonably draw the ecological red line to mitigate conflicts between human and wildlife and reduce the risk of infectious disease outbreaks such as zoonotic diseases. Different functional areas, such as core zones, buffer zones, corridor zones, and connection zones, should be designated based on the ecological needs and spatial distribution of wildlife, so as to establish a comprehensive and connected ecological network. Secondly, reasonably plan human – animal shared spaces to promote positive interactions between human and animal. Incorporating platforms and walkways with low habitat disturbance may enable close observation of and interaction with animals, thus enriching human experience and deepening emotional connections with wildlife. Urban agricultural zones and community gardens should support community agriculture to enable residents to actively participate in production and life alongside animals. Thirdly, adopt multi-dimensional spatial simulations based on sunlight, wind fields, and animal community distribution to protect urban biodiversity and optimize ecosystem services. Dynamic monitoring and evaluation of territorial space is a key aspect of ensuring the effectiveness of planning programs. Regular assessment of the status of target species and ecological function areas may help evaluate the effectiveness of plan implementation. Spatial planning should be adjusted and optimized as necessary on the basis of monitoring results in an effort to achieve the goal of “One Health”. In terms of the planning process and assessment, the mechanism of spatial interaction between human and animal should be considered in the diagnosis of current status, programming, and assessment phases, and a multi-dimensional and multi-indicator approach should be adopted to balance the health rights and interests of both human and animal, thus realizing the sustainability and fairness of spatial planning.
Conclusion From the perspective of “One Health”, the interrelationships between human and animal have far-reaching implications for spatial development, to which territorial spatial planning needs to respond. Accordingly, planning must take into account the integrity of the built environment and ecosystems, and should consider not only the conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecological services, but also the health needs of both human and animal in the process of delineating the development and control boundaries of production, living, and ecological spaces. Planning needs to integrate public health and safety measures to proactively prevent and control the spread of disease between human and animal, and reduce the risk of disease transmission by controlling population density and regulating animal husbandry, waste disposal, and pollution prevention. In the face of the challenges of global climate change, planning must take measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase green space, and protect people, animals, and the environment that are vulnerable to climate change. The territorial spatial planning system should provide a platform for integrating expertise from various fields to promote more comprehensive and coordinated spatial development and better balance the relationship between human social development and ecological health. In general, territorial spatial planning needs to be based on the concept of “One Health” and promote the symbiosis between human and animal to ensure the balanced development of ecological health and human well-being. Based on cross-disciplinary development, in-depth understanding, and comprehensive consideration of ecological, health, and climatic factors, spatial planning in the future should encompass more new technologies and new content to further promote the health of mankind and the earth.
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