New Delhi (NVI): With most of the planet locked down due to the Covid-19 crisis, experts believe this could be the time when nature finally takes a break amid low human activity and get into a healing mode. However, a latest report suggests that coronavirus lockdown may have a detrimental effect on the planet’s forest cover.
Penguins were seen on the streets of Cape Town, a kangaroo roaming around Adelaide and a crab-eating fox exploring Bogotá suburbs are just a few examples of the silver lining of this crisis that is being reported by the media. These stories are coupled with reports of clean air over Delhi, Seoul and even Los Angeles.
However, outside urban areas, the situation is very different.
A report published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), says that in rural areas, there is less wealth and the main source of income for the people is nature, with hunting, fishing and logging necessary to provide food and support livelihoods.
Unfortunately, people who moved to cities and have now lost their employment and income opportunities due to the quarantines are returning to their rural homes, further increasing the pressure on natural resources while also increasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission to rural areas.
Based on the media reports, there is increased deforestation in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Especially areas dependent on tourism to fund conservation are facing reduced resources as tourism has come to a halt.
Meanwhile, illegal mining for gold and precious stones in Latin America and Africa is on the rise, as prices spike and protected areas are left unguarded, according to World Economic Forum report.
These increased pressures on nature and rural areas are expected to persist until economies rebound and governments are able to refocus on conservation.
Notably, land use change is a major driver of disease transmission from wildlife to people. Species threatened by exploitation and habitat loss are twice as likely to be sources of zoonotic disease compared to other threats.
According to the biologist Thomas Lovejoy, “This pandemic is the consequence of our persistent and excessive intrusion in nature and the vast illegal wildlife trade.”
Countries must start planning for rebuilding their economies in a way that fosters green structural transformation, including through long-term commitments to public spending and pricing reforms.
It is equally important that climate and biodiversity stay at the top of the agenda in 2020 and beyond, and that leaders leverage every opportunity to maintain the momentum.
