MOSAIC
Open Science for Planetary Health
MOSAIC is an European project mobilising Open Science to bring solutions to the crucial challenge of Planetary Health
It aims to promote the health of local cross-border populations in East Africa and the Amazon stating that, insofar people are involved in data and knowledge co-production with scientists, they are capable of exploiting complex and multi-thematic data, information and knowledge on their environment, health, well-being and practices, in order to adopt acceptable, feasible and sustainable adaptation and mitigation solutions.
Multi-site Application of Open Science in the Creation of Healthy Environments Involving Local Communities
This is a 4-year project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme (Horizon Europe,2021-2027), which brings together 15 partners from 7 different countries. The project, which began in January 2024, is coordinated by the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (Institut de recherche pour le développement, IRD) in collaboration with French, Kenyan, Portuguese, Polish, Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian partners.
What does Planetary Health mean?
According to the Planetary Health Alliance, Planetary Health is « a solutions-oriented, transdisciplinary field and social movement focused on analyzing and addressing the impacts of human disruptions to Earth’s natural systems on human health and all life on Earth ».
Emmanuel Roux, IRD, 2009
The Amerindian populations, here in Camopi on the banks of the Oiapoque river, which forms the border between French Guiana and Brazil, live in mostly open dwellings, more or less close to the river and the forest.
David Western, African Conservation Centre
African Conservation Centre field staff conducting vegetation monitoring in community conservation areas in southern Kenya. Community knowledge can be used to identify indicators of environmental changes, as well as adaptation and mitigation solutions in front of the negative impacts of environmental changes on the health and well-being of local populations.
What is Open Science?
MOSAIC refers to the UNESCO definition of Open Science, as « a set of principles and practices that aim to make scientific research from all fields accessible to everyone for the benefits of scientists and society as a whole. Open science is about making sure not only that scientific knowledge is accessible but also that the production of that knowledge itself is inclusive, equitable and sustainable ».