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Traditional conservation scientists approach conservation conflict from a resource-management perspective, in which both wildlife and non-living natural resources are managed to balance the interests of competing human stakeholders. We instead explore conflict between the powerful and less powerful humans and wildlife alike. Applying tenets of social dominance theory to ecological networks, we propose that socio-political power structures that marginalize human populations – denying voice and inclusion – may contribute to similar neglect of wildlife species. Considering nonhuman species as collections of agentic beings seeking to satisfy their own survival interests and that of their respective “social” group, we connect the subjects of social justice and ecological justice through common challenges rooted in the social psychology of power.

The availability of quality and timely data for routine monitoring of mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) disorders is a challenge, particularly in Africa. We assessed the feasibility of using an open-source data science technology (R Shiny) to improve health data reporting in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Based on a previously used manual tool, in June 2022, we developed a digital online data capture and reporting tool using the open-source Kobo toolbox. Primary mental health care providers (nurses and physicians) working in primary healthcare facilities in Nairobi were trained to use the tool to report cases of MNS disorders diagnosed in their facilities in real-time. The digital tool covered MNS disorders listed in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Program Intervention Guide (mhGAP-IG). In the digital system, data were disaggregated as new or repeat visits. We linked the data to a live dynamic reproducible dashboard created using R Shiny, summarising the data in tables and figures. Between January and August 2023, 9064 cases of MNS disorders (4454 newly diagnosed, 4591 revisits and 19 referrals) were reported using the digital system compared to 5321 using the manual system in a similar period in 2022. Reporting in the digital system was real-time compared to the manual system, where reports were aggregated and submitted monthly. The system improved data quality by providing timely and complete reports. Open-source applications to report health data is feasible and acceptable to primary health care providers. The technology improved real-time data capture, reporting, and monitoring, providing invaluable information on the burden of MNS disorders and which services can be planned and used for advocacy. The fast and efficient system can be scaled up and integrated with national and sub-national health information systems to reduce manual data reporting and decrease the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.

In the last decades, several regulatory approaches have been taken in order to ensure the safe management of chemicals. The major drawback of the current EU and Swiss legislations is the distinction made between so-called 'existing' and 'new' chemicals, based on their time of marketing. While all new chemicals have to be tested for potential harmful effects to human health and the environment, there exist no similar requirements for the approximately 30'000 existing chemicals found on the market. Considering that 26% of existing and 60% of new chemicals that have been so far officially assessed and listed in Annex I of Directive 67/548/EEC, have irritating and/or sensitizing effects, it has to be assumed that several thousand chemicals consumers are exposed to are not appropriately labelled with respect to potential risks. REACH is intended to create a system which is based on information about all chemicals. Especially for chemicals marketed at high quantities REACH will indeed improve the current situation and eliminate safety gaps. Chemicals marketed at lower quantities, however, will not be subject to equally profound assessments. It remains to be seen whether substance-tailored requirements will compensate for the weaknesses of a quantity-based safety and information system, especially in respect to consumer protection. REACH will generate a lot of knowledge, some of which will be publicly available. However, the newly created knowledge refers mostly to substances. No central database containing information about products on the market, in particular their compositions, is planed. Crucially, major parts of risk assessments and identifications will be performed by industry that therefore has to take a major responsibility onboard. The success of REACH will depend on the way the private sector will manage this important safety system and whether consumers and other stakeholders can build up trust and confidence. The former Swiss Toxicity Law outmatched the current legislation and REACH in several aspects. It did not distinguish between existing and new chemicals. The main responsibility was clearly placed on the authorities, building up trust among all stakeholders, including the public. The marketing of products was mainly dependent on their toxicity. The enforcement was strictly controlled which generally led to substitutions of toxic substances with less toxic ones, especially in consumer products. However, maintaining a nation-specific regulation in today's global marketplace proved to be inappropriate. Therefore, in 2005 Switzerland adopted a new legislation largely harmonized with the specific EU-Directives. REACH forces Switzerland once again to reconsider its legislation.