Fewer species, more disease

Context: The pandemic is an opportunity for the global community to explore the consequences of its  unscientific actions on nature and prepare for behavioural change.

Human-induced environmental changes

• Loss of species: In order to clear land for development, forests have been destroyed which resulted in loss of several species. 

• Scientists believe that the loss of biodiversity has strong linkages with the emergence of epidemics.

• Illegal trade of wildlife: By deliberately hunting certain species or by establishing monocultures, habitats  are being fragmented or destroyed.

• Body parts of animals including pangolins, rhinos are being traded illegally to countries such as China and Vietnam. 

• Poaching of wild animals: Species are being wiped out with new poaching techniques for manufacturing traditional medicines.
• Disturbing the delicate balance of nature has created ideal conditions for the spread of viruses from animals to humans.

Way forward

• One health approach: Which considers the health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and the environment need to be adopted. 
• Strict enforcement laws: Such as the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, National Biodiversity Targets and the National Biodiversity Mission. 
• Mainstreaming of biodiversity: Local biodiversity management committees under the Biological Diversity Act can play a significant role in this regard. 
• Promoting ecosystem integrity: to regulate diseases and restrict the transmission of pathogens from one species to another.
• Regulate high-risk wildlife markets, promoting green jobs and working towards carbon-neutral economies.
• Mass biodiversity literacy campaigns to generate awareness among the masses. 
• Revisiting our relationship with nature to rebuild an environmentally responsible world.