Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation
Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Fewer species, more disease
Context: COVID-19 induced lockdowns have kept people indoors and provided opportunities for wild animals to roam around spaces they otherwise don’t venture into.
Do you know?
It is not yet fully understood which species have contributed to the transmission of COVID-19 and how.
However, according to experts, there is strong evidence that it spread from a wildlife market in Wuhan, China. Two hypothesis have been discussed:
(a) the virus jumped from bats directly to humans;
(b) from bats to pangolins and then to humans
It is the time to rethink human actions on nature
Scientists believe that emergence of epidemicshave strong linkages with the loss of biodiversity, and increase in wildlife trade.
In order to clear land for development and agriculture, forests & habitats have been destroyed. In the process, ecosystems are being damaged, fragmented or destroyed and as a result, world has lost several species.
Trafficking in wild plants and animals has become one of the largest forms of organised crime that has become a threat to wildlife & ecosystems.
Species are being wiped out by organised trade networks, with new poaching techniques, for manufacturing traditional Chinese medicines.
Human-induced environmentalchanges reduce biodiversity resulting in new conditions that host vectors and/or pathogens
By disturbing the delicate balance of nature, we have created ideal conditions for the spread of viruses from animals to humans.
Way Ahead
Mainstreaming of biodiversity is needed in our post-COVID-19 development programme.
Long term Vision:Nations should work towards realising the 2050 vision for biodiversity, ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’.
Integrated approach:Societies must follow a ‘one health’ approach which considers the health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and the environment.
Strict Monitoring:International Community need to strictly regulate high-risk wildlife markets that threaten biodiversity.
Promoting Green Economy:Governments should promote green jobs and work towards achieving carbon-neutral economies.
Executive action: India should strictly enforce
The Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, which prohibits the trade of 1,800 species of wild animals/plants and their derivatives;
The Biological Diversity Act of 2002;
Strategies and action plans including the National Biodiversity Targets;
The National Biodiversity Mission
Mass biodiversity literacy: People should realise that we live in a world where biodiversity is our common heritage and natural capital.
Conclusion
Ecosystem integrity will regulate diseases and restrict the transmission of pathogens from one species to another.
