Seagrass Meadows as a Foundational Concept for One Health

Abstract Seagrass meadows are vital coastal ecosystems that embody the One Health paradigm, connecting human, animal, and environmental well-being. These highly productive habitats offer critical ecosystem services: They store carbon, stabilize shorelines, and filter pollutants and pathogens, bolstering climate resilience and water quality. As foundation species, seagrasses support diverse marine life and underpin global fisheries that provide nutrition, livelihoods, and cultural sustenance for coastal communities. Microbes enhance this function by actively reducing pathogens and detoxifying sediments, showcasing how microscale processes support broader societal health. However, anthropogenic pressures, especially nutrient pollution, are driving global decline. Case studies demonstrate that coordinated management and restoration can reverse this degradation and enhance ecosystem and social benefits. Integrating seagrass conservation into One Health frameworks highlights the need for proactive, multisectoral approaches. Protecting and restoring these meadows is a critical investment in resilient coastal communities, sustainable fisheries, and the overall health of human and planetary systems.