One Health: An Integrated Approach to Protecting the Health of People, Animals, and the Planet

IÑIGO MARTÍNEZ DE MARAÑÓN, Chief Technology Officer at AZTI

In an increasingly interconnected world, human health, animal health, and environmental health cannot be understood in isolation. For example, changes in land use or agricultural practices can influence the spread of vector-borne diseases that affect both livestock and people in rural areas. Variations in climate and water management — in estuaries, marshes, or coastal zones, for instance — can encourage the growth of microorganisms or algae that impact environmental and food safety. Likewise, the movement of animals and products between farms, or the introduction of exotic species, can increase the risk of pathogen transmission throughout the food chain.

This is where the One Health approach comes in — born from the understanding that human well-being depends directly on the health of the ecosystems and systems we are part of.

At AZTI, we have been working for years under this comprehensive framework. Our mission is to generate knowledge and develop innovative solutions that ensure food is safe, healthy, and sustainable — while also protecting the environment and public health.

What is the One Health approach?

One Health is a global strategy promoted by international organizations such as the WHO, FAO, and WOAH, aimed at addressing health challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It is based on the idea that human, animal, and environmental health are closely interconnected — an imbalance in any one of these areas inevitably affects the others.

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the presence of new contaminants in water or food, and the effects of climate change on food security are clear examples of problems that can only be solved through a holistic, collaborative perspective.

Interdisciplinary and collaborative work

Protecting human health means caring for oceans, food, and ecosystems — a task that requires strong collaboration. That is why at AZTI we apply an interdisciplinary approach from the ground up. Our projects bring together experts in biology, biotechnology, chemistry, engineering, nutrition, and marine sciences, who work in an integrated way.

We also maintain close cooperation with hospitals, universities, research centers, public administrations, food industry companies, and consumers — fostering shared, sustainable solutions.

Ultimately, the One Health approach is more than just a research line — it’s a way of understanding how we want to shape the future. At AZTI, we are committed to applied, collaborative science that serves people and the planet. Innovation, sustainability, and global health are the pillars guiding our efforts toward a safer, more resilient, and environmentally respectful food system.

AZTI’s contribution to the One Health approach

At AZTI, we address One Health challenges through a wide range of R&D&I activities that combine scientific knowledge, advanced technology, and networked collaboration with multiple stakeholders. Our main areas of work include:

1. Food safety and control of microbiological and chemical risks 

We develop methods and technologies to identify biological and chemical contaminants along the food chain, ensuring safe and healthy food. This includes identifying pathogenic microorganisms and emerging contaminants, as well as creating rapid detection systems such as biosensors and other advanced analytical tools.

2. Antimicrobial resistance

The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is one of the greatest threats to global health. At AZTI, we research sustainable alternatives to antimicrobials, such as bacteriophage use, and develop safe procedures for their application throughout the food chain. We also study the presence and spread of these bacteria in food and the environment.

3. Environmental contamination and health

We identify and assess emerging contaminants that can affect marine ecosystems and, through them, human health. We collaborate with European bodies such as EFSA, DG SANTE, and DG MARE, providing advice on environmental and food risk management. In addition, we develop monitoring and mitigation systems to reduce harmful agents in water, marine ecosystems, and food.

4. Climate change and public health

Climate change influences species distribution, food security, and the emergence of new diseases. At AZTI, we assess these impacts and design sustainability- and circularity-based solutions to mitigate them, ensuring the resilience of marine ecosystems and the food supply chain.

5. Nutrition and health

Through precision nutrition, we study how diet impacts individual health. We identify biomarkers linked to diet and develop tailored recommendations and solutions that promote healthy eating adapted to the needs of different individuals or population groups.

6. Surveillance and innovation in analytical technologies 

We develop advanced detection technologies based on sensorics, omics, artificial intelligence, and data analysis to identify biological and chemical risks early on. These tools are key to improving real-time monitoring and decision-making in food and environmental systems.