Ecosystems support human well-being, but the health consequences of ecosystem change remain difficult to measure and predict. Here we report on several multi-country analysis into general relationships between ecosystems and human health. We compiled a unique dataset covering ~500,000 children from >35 countries, by combining Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) with additional information on socio-economic, climate, and environmental factors.
Results/Conclusions
Using these data, we have found that increased forest cover of upstream watersheds reduces the probability of downstream childhood diarrhea, the second leading cause of children’s mortality worldwide. Additional analyses have shown that children living close to forests have significantly more diverse diets than those living further away, especially in households with relatively low access to capital. Finally, we have found evidence that forest cover in upstream watersheds can moderate the effectiveness of efforts to improve household-level water purification efforts. These and other studies are demonstrating broad and general links between ecosystems and human health, especially for the most vulnerable populations. Combined with local analyses and case studies, they can help to identify where and how forest conservation efforts can constitute a public health investment.