About RESTOREID

RESTOREID explores the link between nature restoration, biodiversity, and disease prevention.
Using advanced methods, we study how restoring ecosystems can reduce disease risks for both animals and humans. 

Our goal is to contribute with valuable knowledge for healthier landscapes and safer coexistence, guided by our core values:

Sustainability

As reflected by our project’s goals
  1. Understanding how making nature healthier impacts both animals and people.
  2. Figuring out the complex relationships between animals, their behaviours, and the risk of diseases jumping between them and us.
  3. Recognising factors like gender, age, and social groups to understand how different communities perceive risks in restoring landscapes.
  4. Developing innovative methods to make biodiversity sampling more efficient and accessible.
  5. Supporting the creation of a knowledge hub on restoring ecosystems and preventing disease emergence.

And our impact on the following SDGs:

  • Good health and well-being
  • Gender equality
  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Cliamte action
  • Life on land

Innovation

As showcased by our state-of-the-arts methodology
Closing the Knowledge Gap
RESTOREID will address knowledge gaps on zoonotic spillovers through literature reviews and policy analyses to better understand the relationship between disease, biodiversity and restoration, informing practical decision-making.
Efficient Biodiversity Monitoring
We use innovative methods, including acoustic diversity assessments, eDNA-based evaluations, and remote sensing, to swiftly and economically assess biodiversity in degraded, restored, and pristine habitats. These techniques overcome traditional challenges, providing valuable data for ecological restoration and pathogen risk analysis. 
Understanding Mechanisms for Restoration
The project looks at specific mechanisms like encounter reduction, transmission reduction, and susceptible host regulation, using various methods such as experiments, genetic sequencing, and mathematical models. By studying time, space, history, and restoration methods, the project tries to find detailed insights into how diseases behave in ecosystems undergoing restoration. 
Socioeconomic Drivers of Restoration
RESTOREID aims to understand of how restoration, disease, and society connect, beyond just ecological recovery. To achieve this, we involve stakeholders, gather expert opinions, and conduct surveys using behavioural science frameworks, as well as ethnographic surveys that explore historical changes and social dynamics.
Scenario Mapping and Knowledge Synthesis
RESTOREID integrates social sciences, policy reviews, and participatory scenario mapping to develop future scenarios aligning with One Health policies. The interactive mobile app game, 'Restore-IT!', built on real-world knowledge, engages users in understanding challenges related to restoration, disease management, and biodiversity. This fosters public awareness and contributes valuable data to the project's goals. 
Integrated Approach for Disease Mitigation
The Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP), created in collaboration with the sister project ZOE, is a hub for knowledge dissemination and collaboration, connecting science with practice. Using a decision support tool, RESTOREID empowers communities in restoration and disease risk decisions. Restore-IT! captures stakeholder priorities, and the KEP collaborates globally, enriching with diverse perspectives for efficient consultation. 

COLLABORATION

As evidenced by our rich partner and alliances ecosystem

Consortium

Our diverse team combines expertise in science, technology, and community engagement. Together, we're dedicated to understanding and enhancing landscape restoration, making a positive impact on global health.

Advisory Board Members

Meet our dedicated advisors who are helping to shape a healthier and more sustainable future! The RESTOREID Advisory Board consists of a diverse group of experts who provide strategic guidance and support to ensure the success of our project. Their insights and expertise in ecosystem restoration, public health, and biodiversity are invaluable in driving our mission forward.

Support network

Beyond our consortium, we have also built a strong support network through meaningful partnerships with relevant initiatives, ensuring the quality and impact of our project. Our collaboration with ZOE on the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) is a prime example of this commitment.