Challenges and opportunities for co-production in environmental health

Co-production in environmental health involves collaboration stakeholders from science, policy, and affected communities with the goal of creating knowledge and information to inform environmental policy-making. It gives community participants a greater say in managing ecosystem services and their health. Further, policies implemented through co-production are more successful. However, co-production also has several challenges. In my work in gold mining areas of Madre De Dios, Peru, I often come across misconceptions about the harmful effects of mercury. While some people refuse to believe that mercury is harmful for them, other believe it is good for them.