Vet Sustain, founded in 2019, supports veterinary professionals to become champions for sustainability and campaigners on issues relating to the environment and climate change.
Dr Higham was nominated by Anna Judson MRCVS, a current Junior Vice-President for British Veterinary Association. She said “Vet Sustain was set up in response to the pressing societal issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, public health threats and persistent animal welfare challenges. Recognising the unique “One Health” skill set and trusted position held by vets, vet nurses and members of the vet-led team, Vet Sustain has laid out its strategy for supporting the professions to create meaningful change through their work, all under the leadership of Laura.”
Dr Higham was thrilled to received the award. She said “I feel absolutely honoured to have received one of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Inspiration Awards this year for sustainability work and establishing Vet Sustain. This award is recognises the work of the whole Vet Sustain team, and a special thank you to David Primhak, Ruth Layton, Gudrun Ravetz, and Anna Judson for their unwavering personal support in making this happen.”
Dr Higham, who is also studying for a PhD in anti-microbial resistance at the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Security at the University of Edinburgh, said that Vet Sustain had been “an absolute labour of love since 2019 and over COVID-19. The long nights of working after kids’ bedtimes have been so worth it, for the community we have built and the shard of hope it’s provided to me personally and I think others, in the face of so many societal and planetary challenges.”
Dr Higham told 8.9ha News that “In many ways as a society, we are exploiting and transgressing our duties to the wellbeing of the animals and ecosystems on which we depend, for short term gains. I believe we all have a responsibility to rebuild our relationship with the natural world that moves beyond reparation of damage (an important first step), towards generating positive impacts and pursuing a common goal of interspecies and intergenerational wellbeing.
“Veterinary professionals are uniquely placed at the human-animal-environment interface to act as a catalyst for driving more sustainable and regenerative approaches towards animals – both those under our care as patients, and those impacted by human activity.
“But challenges lie ahead – although veterinary professionals are deeply concerned about societal and planetary challenges, our recent research (soon to be published in the Veterinary Record) tells us that they need guidance on where to direct their efforts. They have multiple duties to their patients, clients, public health and the environment, and reconciling these sometimes competing demands can be stressful.
“Vet Sustain is building the guidance, resources and tools to assist the profession in navigating these issues, and creating pathways for monitoring and driving positive impact.”