This document summarizes the EcoZD project, which aims to build capacity for managing zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia using an ecosystems approach. It describes the project's inception focusing on capacity building and risk assessment. Over time, the project adapted to emphasize a learning-by-doing approach through country-specific research on priority zoonoses. It also established EcoHealth Resource Centers at universities in Thailand and Indonesia to provide training, research, knowledge sharing and advocacy for an ecosystems approach to health.