Biodiversity and emergence of viral pandemics

Abstract

Phytochemists are aware of the contribution of plant biodiversity in providing chemical entities to the therapeutic arsenal, but the links between biodiversity and the emergence of pandemics are less described. "Healthy" biodiverse ecosystems protect us humans against emergence of infectious diseases and transmission as exemplified by the "dilution effect" developed upon the eco-epidemiological tick-borne Lyme disease. The emergence and spread of viral pandemics is not only due to the degradation of biodiversity but also compounded by anthropogenic factors such as the intensification and acceleration of trade and intercontinental transport, unprecedented urban human concentrations, climate change, industrialisation, massification and genetic uniformity in industrial breeding, consumption of bushmeat and promiscuity in certain markets with living animals. "One-Health" holistic approach to sustainable development is an excellent option to reduce the emergence of future pandemics. It tackles global environmental, human and animal health issues while respecting climate and ecological climate objectives. Surprisingly, this type of strategy implies accepting parasites and viruses and not seeing them as enemies to be eliminated. It also calls for recognition of the role of the local and indigenous communities in taking care traditionally and sustainably of more than a quarter of the world's land area. Only by thinking globally and acting locally this way, we will be able to reduce the risk of (re)-emergences of zoonoses and parasitic diseases.