This session delves – mainly but not only – into the transformative potential of digital technologies, geospatial data, and the integrated One Health approach to address the global challenges of food security within the framework of a circular economy. As the global demand for food continues to grow, it is crucial to rethink how we produce, consume, and manage resources, moving towards more sustainable systems that minimize waste and regenerate natural ecosystems.

Digital geographies – in the sense of using tools like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, and big data analytics – play a key role in monitoring and optimizing land use, food production, and environmental health. These digital tools enable stakeholders to visualize and analyze complex systems, ensuring that food is produced efficiently and sustainably while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

The session integrates the circular economy model, which focuses on creating closed-loop systems where resources are reused, regenerated, and waste is minimized. By applying this concept, digital tools in general and artificial intelligence (AI) in particular, can help map out the flow of resources and waste within food systems, identifying opportunities for reducing losses, promoting regenerative agricultural practices, and enhancing sustainability. This approach is essential for creating resilient food systems that operate within planetary boundaries.

One Health, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, will also be a key focus. Digital geographies enable the mapping and monitoring of disease outbreaks linked to environmental changes and unsustainable practices in food production. This integrated approach helps ensure that food security initiatives also support healthy ecosystems and communities.

By bringing together the concepts of digital geographies, circular economy, and One Health, this session aims to highlight how innovative, data-driven approaches can shape the future of food security and sustainability.