FORESTS AND ONE HEALTH
Since ancient times, humans have coexisted with nature, particularly in forests and grassland ecosystems. These bountiful environments have not only provided resources for our sustenance but have also offered countless services essential for our well-being. However, with the advent of industrialization, technological advancements, and unchecked human activities, our relationship with forests has changed drastically. Given the critical link between forests and human health, there is need to emphasize for a ‘One Health’ approach to restore the delicate balance between nature and our well-being.
Forests are not just repositories of natural resources; they encompass a wide range of services crucial for our survival. Provisioning services, such as food, fuel wood, water and medicinal plants, are integral to our daily lives. Regulating services, including carbon sequestration, temperature regulation, and air purification, contribute to environmental stability. Moreover, forests provide cultural services, offering aesthetic, psychological, and spiritual benefits that nourish our souls. Preserving forests means safeguarding these invaluable services.
As human activities encroach further into forested areas, the interface between humans, wild animals, and forests intensifies. This interaction creates a breeding ground for the emergence and spread of diseases. Numerous infectious diseases, including zoonotic diseases, have originated from forest-dwelling animals. The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of disease/ zoonotic spill over. It is imperative to address this growing threat through a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
The One Health approach recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It advocates for a holistic perspective, where various sectors collaborate to achieve optimal health outcomes for all. Integrating the health of forests into this approach is important. By minimizing human interference in forests, preserving habitats, and reducing the human-wildlife interface, we can prevent the spill over of diseases and protect both human and ecosystem health.
To effectively implement the One Health approach, interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount. Departments of forest, wildlife, animal husbandry, and health must work together. Forest and wildlife departments can lead the way by focusing on protection activities such as preventing forest land encroachment, forest fires, and poaching. Incorporating dedicated chapters on wildlife research, monitoring, and disease prevention strategies in management plans is essential.
Conservation biology, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem dynamics should also be prioritized to reduce the human-animal interface. Furthermore, seeking expert advice from veterinarians, environmentalists, wildlife experts, public health professionals, and technocrats in remote sensing and GIS can provide diverse perspectives on forest and wildlife management. By embracing the One Health approach, foresters can revolutionize wild animal conservation and contribute to global public health.
Preserving forests and adopting a One Health approach is imperative for our collective well-being. By recognizing the intrinsic connection between human health, animal health, and the health of ecosystems, we can prevent future pandemics and protect biodiversity. Let us strive to be stewards of our natural environment, promoting sustainable forest management, conserving wildlife, and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
(Author works at the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department and can be reached at: [email protected])
