The analysis of the interdependencies between humans and nature through the lens of culture forms part of environmental socio-anthropology, which places significant emphasis on the social dimension in the analysis of environmental issues. This approach requires that environmental issues be addressed from a holistic perspective. Thus, understanding the complex environmental challenges in the Sahelian context requires a particular focus on areas under threat due to the decline in biodiversity, compounded by high demand from local populations. This situation raises the thorny question of the survival of community norms in the protection of natural resources and their effectiveness in a heterogeneous world under the authority of modern administration. Consequently, the race for the exploitation and appropriation of natural resources crystallises the issues around the concept of ownership following changes in land tenure. The effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors on natural resources are steering community practices towards areas that still hold even greater potential. This is how protected areas are undergoing an accelerated rate of degradation. Furthermore, from a holistic perspective, environmental issues impact the entire ecosystem. Hence the value of analysing the ‘One Health’ approach in light of the interdependence of the social, environmental and animal spheres.This is a reality that has become particularly acute in recent times as a result of the growing proximity between humans and animal species. This proximity increases the interdependence between human health, animal health and the health of ecosystems, making environmental governance a key issue in public policy

Abdoulaye Sawadogo holds a PhD in sociology and is a lecturer and researcher in the Department of Sociology at Joseph Ki-Zerbo University in Burkina Faso. He is a member of the Society, Mobility and Environment Laboratory (LASME) at the university. His research focuses on issues of sustainable development, the conservation and governance of natural resources, the environment and One Health. In addition to these topics, he has also published on research methodology, mental disability and Covid-19. He is the author of numerous scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals at regional and international level. His current research focuses on agroecology and farming practices, mining in times of crisis, traditional medicine and biodiversity loss, and ecology through the lens of stakeholders’ perspectives. Abdoulaye is the recipient of a scholarship from the Academy for Research and Higher Education (ARES) for international training in digital university pedagogy, which is currently taking place at the Université Libre de Bruxelles.

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