Networks and cities' news

The vision of the city of Kuopio – to become a capital of good life where one health approach is adapted in all policies and among all citizens

Kuopio is the 8th largest city in Finland, and in Eastern Finland, it is a central city with the population of 124 000. According to the international survey, Finland has been rated as the happiest country of the world. According to the national Finnish survey, the citizens of Kuopio rate themselves as happy more often than in other cities. More needs to be explored for the determinants of happiness in Kuopio, but there is no doubt the closeness of nature - lakes, forests and parks - and an easy access to nature is one of the answers to our happiness rates, as several surveys have indicated.  Of Kuopio’s area (4 326 km2) half is covered by forest and one forth consists of lakes. The Puijo forest, a large Natura 2000 protected recreational area is located right next to the city centre and the city is surrounded by the lake Kallavesi. It is no wonder several nature based wellbeing promotion services has been developed and implemented in Kuopio with good results. Kuopio is proud to be a forerunner in implementing nature-based solutions. Nevertheless, there is more to be done to enhance human, nature and animal health in Kuopio.  

Urban harmony : Promote Planetary Health and One Health for a sustainable future

Benissa, the first town in Spain adopting One Health

Unifying Efforts for Bringing One Health in Cities

A European collaboration for human, animal and environmental health

In the face of diverse health and environmental challenges across European regions and globally, the One Health 4 Cities Network emerges as a beacon of collaboration and knowledge exchange looking for holistic solutions in cities.

The need for systemic approaches that support not only the current states of living but safeguard our environments for the future is very prominent. The One Health approach will bring us solutions that never were so urgent before.

Unique of its kind, the Network brings light on how to implement the One Health approach in urban public policies, strategies, and projects. It recognises that the perception of the One Health concept may vary according to EU regions and cities and it aims to refine and propagate this transformative approach by bringing together partners representing a wide variety of local contexts.

Comprising cities with varying levels of experience in One Health, the network fosters a collaborative environment where the nine partners come together to learn and share experiences: Benissa (ES), Elefsina (GR), Kuopio (FI), Lahti (FI), Loulé (PT), Lyon (FR), Munich (DE), Eurometropolis of Strasbourg (FR) and Suceava (RO).