Holistic Conservation

One Health Programme

Tackling disease, human health & the link with the illegal wildlife trade.

Project Summary

In Indonesia, wildlife markets don’t just threaten animals, they endanger people too. The illegal wildlife trade creates dangerous conditions for disease outbreaks like COVID-19, avian flu and other zoonotic threats.

Our One Health project, delivered by our local partners YIARI, brings together communities, governments, health agencies and conservationists to reduce the risks. By improving animal market regulation, educating forest-edge communities, and protecting ecosystems, we’re safeguarding the health of people, animals and the planet.

Local Partner: YIARI

The Full Story

Potential Health Crisis

Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot, but it’s also home to widespread wildlife markets where animals are sold for food and the pet trade, often in cramped, unsanitary conditions. These markets are not only harmful to wildlife they pose serious public health risks.

Unregulated trade increases the risk of zoonotic diseases like coronaviruses, salmonellosis, and avian flu. Without veterinary checks or proper hygiene, these environments become breeding grounds for the next potential pandemic.

A Unified Solution: The One Health Approach

YIARI’s One Health project, recognises the deep connections between the health of people, animals and the ecosystems we all share. By improving how wildlife is traded, handled, and understood, we can reduce the risk of future outbreaks and protect endangered species at the same time.

Working across two provinces, West Kalimantan and West Java, this project combines research, education, policy, and community action to deliver long-term change.

The project covers these key areas:

Research & Strategy

Analysing the legal wildlife trade system in Indonesia
Reviewing legislation, enforcement, and inspection protocols
Developing a risk management plan to prevent disease transmission in markets

Building Partnerships

Establishing stakeholder working groups with local government, academics, traders, and NGOs
Hosting capacity-building workshops for government officers and enforcement agencies

Market Engagement

Rolling out educational campaigns for traders and staff in four priority wildlife markets
Supporting regular inspections and better enforcement of regulations

Community Outreach

Delivering health and education programmes in two forest-edge communities (Sandai and Ciwidey)
Partnering with organisations like ASRI and the One Health Collaborating Centre to promote sustainable alternatives to illegal wildlife trade

A Healthier Future for All

By uniting conservation, health, and community development, YIARI’s One Health programme offers a powerful, scalable model for change. It protects endangered wildlife, prevents disease transmission, and promotes environmental resilience, to benefit both Indonesia and global health.

If you are interested in finding out more about this project or are interested in funding it, please contact Freya McIntyre, [email protected]