To explore how a government can leverage animal welfare to tackle global challenges, public health and food security, as well as biodiversity loss and climate change, we spoke with the Czech Republic’s Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Health.
“The Czech Republic sees animal welfare as an integral part of sustainable development and a crucial component of the One Health approach.” – Ministry of Environment of the Czech Republic
1. Why does animal welfare matter to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
Ministry of Environment
“Improving animal welfare is closely linked to strengthening food security, preventing the spread of disease, and protecting ecosystems. In the context of the SDGs, responsible animal welfare contributes to more sustainable agricultural production, biodiversity protection, and the reduction of environmental pressures, including greenhouse gas emissions.
The Czech Republic supports an approach that links science-based policies, public health protection, and sustainable management with respect for animal welfare. In 2025, the Czech Government approved an Action Plan to Combat Illegal Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora by 2028, which includes measures to assess biosecurity threats related to wildlife crime in the Czech Republic.”
Ministry of Agriculture
“Animal health and ethical agriculture contribute to sustainable food production and the prevention of zoonotic diseases. Czech legislation, including European directives and international initiatives, ensures animal protection as part of broader environmental and health policy.”
Ministry of Health
“The Czech Republic emphasises the prevention of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as an important part of protecting animal health and, consequently, human health. This approach, based on the One Health principle, contributes to the fulfilment of the SDGs, particularly in the areas of public health protection and sustainable food production.”
“Animal health protection automatically contributes to human health protection.” – Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic
2. What examples can you share of positive impacts of better animal welfare on people and ecosystems in the Czech Republic?
Ministry of Environment
“Measures to improve animal welfare can have direct positive impacts on public health and the environment. One example is strengthening protections for wild animals and their habitats, particularly through landscaping that promotes biodiversity. These measures improve ecosystem conditions, ecological stability, and water retention in the landscape.”
Ministry of Agriculture
“A concrete example in the Czech Republic is the partial transition to organic farming, where animals such as pigs and poultry are kept in conditions that provide more space, outdoor access, and limited antibiotic use. This approach has improved animal welfare while reducing environmental pressure, promoting biodiversity, and improving food quality.”
Ministry of Health
“A good example is the amendment to the decree on school meals requires the use of certified organic food. School meals are consumed daily by one-fifth of the Czech Republic’s population, providing a further incentive for the development of organic farming.”
“Animal welfare is key to fulfilling broader Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in food security, health, climate action, and biodiversity.” – Ministry of Agriculture of the Czech Republic
3. What opportunities do you see in the future for linking animal welfare with climate or public health policies?
Ministry of Environment
“We see opportunities to strengthen links between animal welfare and climate policy, the circular economy, and healthy and sustainable lifestyles. The Czech Republic supports sustainable agricultural systems that account for animal welfare, reduce emissions, and contribute to climate change adaptation. It also intends to continue supporting international partnerships and cooperation across multilateral environmental agreements.”
Ministry of Agriculture
“Ensuring good animal care helps prevent zoonotic diseases and improve public health. Linking animal welfare with biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture can protect ecosystems and planetary health.”
Ministry of Health
“Animal health protection is an integral part of the One Health approach, encompassing surveillance, risk assessment, prevention, preparedness, and response across human health, animal health, and the environment.
Animal health protection, therefore, directly contributes to public health. These principles are also reflected in the Czech National Action Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change, particularly in relation to climate-sensitive and vector-borne diseases and other zoonoses.”
The Czech Republic’s National Programme on Conservation and Utilisation of Plant, Animal and Microbial Genetic Resources (2023–2027) demonstrates a practical commitment to animal welfare.
We thank the Ministries of Environment, Agriculture, and Health of the Czech Republic for sharing their insights.
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