The evidence of environmental hazards has prompted the adoption of air and water quality legislation to safeguard health, and the inclusion of health hazard considerations in environmental assessments for planning purposes. Similarly, evidence of harm to the environment as a result of some human activities has resulted in policies intended to minimise these risks.

A strategy, known as the 'ecosystem approach', is now emerging. Its focus is on integrated decision making so as to maximize the benefits derived from our natural environment in terms of ecosystem services and human welfare. Ecosystems provide and maintain the quality of the air, water, soil, and landscapes for relaxation and exercise which serve our needs - ecosystem services. They also support biodiversity, which as well as being an important component of productive agriculture and fisheries is also a factor in disease control and spread. Some of the services provided by ecosystems have clear economic value because they are traded, for others their value is less obvious.

Holistic policy considerations should take account of potential risks and benefits to human mental and physical health, including infectious and other diseases. The provision of a strong evidence base to support development of policies within such a framework is a particular challenge because of the complexity of the links between ecosystems and health. However, an evidence base is a vital for improved decision making.

The Natural Capital Initiative (NCI) aims to stimulate debate around the evidence and policy options for optimising the health of ecosystem and people. These debates must be inclusive and achieve the right mix of expertise to effectively evaluate the evidence, raise awareness, and improve decision making. In particular, involvement of the medical specialities is vital to this process. NCI and the British Library are hosting a one day seminar (plenary and roundtables) to consider how health considerations can be beneficially integrated into the ecosystems approach and into planning and development decisions more broadly.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Prof Sir Kenneth Calman, Chancellor of the University of Glasgow
• Prof Michael Depledge, European Centre for Environment and Human Health
• Dr Jo Barton, University of Essex
• Dr Linda Beale, Small Area Health Statistics Unit, Imperial College
• Prof Hugh Montgomery, Institute of Human Health and Performance, University College London
• Dr Kate Jones, Zoological Society of London

Workshop themes

• What is the evidence in favour of changes in environmental policy and practice?
• How can medical and environmental professionals work together to deliver improvements in the UK's health?
• What are the future challenges in monitoring and evaluating environment-led programmes for health benefit?