The Université de la terre is a unique European gathering dedicated to reflection, sharing, and debate to inspire action. Over the course of two days, it offers discoveries and exchanges open to all, addressing the major challenges we face for our planet, the living world, and social cohesion. The 2025 edition brought together 10,000 participants.
On March 14 and 15, 2025, the University celebrated its 20th anniversary under the theme “NATURE = FUTURE,” underlining what may seem obvious: the vital need for humanity to reconnect with nature, on which its very survival depends.
The “One Sustainable Health for All” Foundation co-organized four sessions focused on health:
- How much does our health depend on the health of our planet?
- Changing our lifestyles, healing humanity
- Mental health: a silent emergency, voices are starting to be heard
- Healing through food
Healing through food
Moderated by journalist Edwige Coupez, the session “Healing through food” brought together experts from diverse backgrounds:
Sébastien Abis (Researcher at IRIS and Director General of Club Demeter), Anthony Berthou (Nutritionist, expert in systemic food issues), Sabine Bonnot (Agriculture and food expert, President of Planet Score), Célia Dumas (Director of Patient Experience and Solutions, Novo Nordisk France), Anne-Sophie Joly (Founder and President of the National Collective of Obese People’s Associations), Biliana Lesic (PhD in microbiology and founder of M et Moi), and Émilie Lowenbach (CSR and Communications Director at Ecotone, President of the Ecotone Foundation).
Acting on our production methods for better health of all living beings
Food lies at the heart of public health challenges, both in terms of disease prevention and increasing healthy life expectancy. But eating well also means rethinking how we produce food. “We launched a campaign (‘Tous exposés’) with environmental NGOs to raise awareness about pesticides and their risks to health,” explains Émilie Lowenbach, CSR and Communications Director at Ecotone. Indeed, the intensive use of pesticides has a devastating impact on biodiversity and human health: in 2023, 17 million people in France consumed non-compliant water, and 73% of non-organic food samples contained pesticide residues. Organic food, which bans such chemicals, still represents only 6% of food spending in France, compared to 12% in Denmark. Sabine Bonnot, president of Planet Score, emphasizes the importance of tools that assess the environmental and health impact of food, like Planet-score®, already adopted by 300 brands across 12 countries.
Better nutrition to heal
“It’s essential to adopt a holistic approach that includes three pillars: nutritional, toxicological, and ecological,” says nutritionist Anthony Berthou. Today, nutritional needs must be balanced with environmental concerns. Omega-3 fatty acids are a clear example of this tension: they’re vital for health, yet the fish that contain them—such as salmon and tuna—are often contaminated with heavy metals like mercury. It is therefore better to opt for fish like sardines and mackerel, which carry fewer risks. Moreover, farming practices directly affect nutritional quality: “Extensive farming is beneficial for omega-3 levels, unlike intensive farming with soy-based feed, which favors omega-6,” adds Berthou. These issues should be better explained to consumers to help them make healthier choices. Omega-3s have an anti-inflammatory effect that benefits the gut, thereby supporting overall health.
The Importance of the Microbiota
Our health also depends on both internal and external balance. “We live in symbiosis with a complex ecosystem of bacteria and viruses that help us stay healthy,” explains Biliana Lesic, PhD in microbiology. The gut microbiota—formerly known as gut flora—plays a key role in our well-being. 95% of serotonin, the neurotransmitter associated with happiness, is produced there, illustrating the direct connection between diet and mental health. However, the microbiota is fragile and can be disrupted by a poor diet rich in ultra-processed foods.
Recognizing 21st Century Diseases Like Obesity
Obesity is a true epidemic, with alarming figures: “One-third of young people will be obese by 2050,” warns Anne-Sophie Joly, President of the National Collective of Obese Associations. On Monday, March 3, the General Assembly on Obesity will be held to better address this disease, which affects around 10 million people in France and is associated with 18 conditions—now including COVID-19. During the pandemic, 40% of deaths and 47% of ICU admissions involved obese individuals, highlighting the increased vulnerability caused by this condition. Yet obesity is still not officially recognized as a disease in France. “Why is there sugar in canned peas? There’s sugar everywhere!” says Anne-Sophie Joly, calling for better information and more compassion for patients. Additionally, healthcare professionals are not sufficiently trained in treating obesity, and drug dosages are often not suited to people who are overweight or obese. Genetic factors, sedentary lifestyles, eating habits, trauma, pesticides, and endocrine disruptors are all causes that must be better considered to effectively fight this epidemic. “To understand this complexity, a mural of the obesity disease was created by a collective of 20 experts and supported by more than 20 patient associations,” adds Célia Dumas.
Healing through food requires a systemic approach that includes agricultural production, food education, disease prevention, and appropriate care for chronic conditions. It’s time to reconcile nutrition and health—for the well-being of individuals and the planet—while preserving the sense of pleasure and conviviality around food, a distinctive element of French culture.
