• The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted human life and the economy in an unprecedented way. 

Hypothesis about COVID-19 transmission

• 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; and 

(b) from bats to pangolins and then to humans.

Pandemic provides an opportunity

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

Consequences of human action on nature

• Scientists believe that the loss of biodiversity, and wildlife trade, have strong linkages with the emergence of epidemics. 

Loss of biodiversity- Emerging pathogens

• In order to clear land for agriculture and development, forests and habitats have been destroyed which led to loss of several species. 
• The IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services shows that people extensively encroach natural habitats; hence biodiversity is declining significantly. 
• By disturbing the delicate balance of nature, ideal conditions for the spread of viruses from animals to humans have been created.
• Dangerous infectious diseases (Ebola, Bird flu, MERS, SARS, Nipah, etc.) have been transferred from wild animals to humans. 

Illegal trade of wildlife

• Trafficking in wild plants and animals and wildlife products has become one of the largest and most lucrative forms of organised crime. 
• By deliberately pursuing and hunting certain species or by establishing monocultures, habitats and ecosystems are being damaged, fragmented or destroyed.
• Illegal wildlife smuggling is an emerging threat to India’s unique wildlife heritage. 

The way forward

Mainstreaming of biodiversity

• The mainstreaming of biodiversity is needed in our post-COVID-19 development programme.
• Biodiversity management committee, a local-level statutory body can play a significant role in this regard. 
• Mass biodiversity literacy should be India’s mission. 

Rebuild environmentally responsible world

• There is a need to revisit our relationship with nature and rebuild an environmentally responsible world. 

Live in harmony with nature

• Nations should work towards realising the 2050 vision for biodiversity, ‘Living in Harmony with Nature’. 
• ‘One health’ approach must be followed which considers the health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and the environment. 
• There is an urgent need to strictly regulate high-risk wildlife markets, promote green jobs and work towards achieving carbon-neutral economies.

Strict enforcement of existing acts

• 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; and 
  • The National Biodiversity Mission. 

Conclusion:

• Ecosystem integrity will regulate diseases and restrict the transmission of pathogens from one species to another.

Reference:

1. https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/fewer-species-more-disease/article32224701.ece