In the midst of this global health crisis, Carles Castell Puig shares with us the important view of an ecologist on how this pandemic is closely related to the human destruction of natural habitats. On how our health depends on healthy ecosystems and how we must change. Carles is also a member of the EUROPARC Commission on Health and Protected Areas.

Healthy nature… for a healthy society

article issued by Carles Castell Puig, Barcelona

Biologist. Ph.D. in Ecology. Expert in nature conservation

These days, beyond the health news on the evolution of the coronavirus pandemic, there are also numerous articles and reflections from the most diverse areas of knowledge. The present and future derivatives of this deep global crisis are analysed from the fields of economics, sociology, philosophy or culture, to give just a few examples, posing scenarios and challenges for humanity.

However, few contributions have emerged from environmental disciplines, and more specifically from the conservation of the natural environment, despite the fact that it has a very direct and fundamental relationship with the current epidemic and with the risk that this situation will be much more frequent in times to come.

Many scientists have shown how the impact of unsustainable human activity on natural systems causes the degradation of habitats and the loss of biodiversity. The latest report presented by experts in Paris last year speaks of a million species at risk of extinction worldwide. Beyond ethical considerations about the annihilation of the common natural heritage, a complementary, more anthropocentric vision, based on the services that ecosystems offer us, that is, the contribution of nature to our health and well-being, has recently become very relevant.

We are no longer only talking about a moral or aesthetic position on the importance of conserving a certain species or ecological process, but recognising that our well-being and quality of life depend on all of this.

Nature provides us with food, water, fuel, and medicine; regulates the climate, protects soil fertility, reduces erosion and avoids extreme catastrophic events; and it offers environments for leisure, sports, education, art or spirituality. In a society increasingly concentrated in large cities, sedentary lifestyle and the loss of habitual contact with nature are factors directly related to numerous diseases and physical and mental disorders, such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension or depression.

Other recent works affirm that the “dose of nature” necessary to contribute to good physical and mental health is around two hours per week. In this general context, nowadays we must consider how natural systems also play a key role in the appearance and spread of epidemics that affect human species.

The ecology of disease

In the article The Ecology of Disease, published in The New York Times in July 2012, Jim Robbins collected and analyzed the main lines of research at that time on epidemics, and their relationship to the degradation of natural habitats. The models already indicated how most epidemics (AIDS, Ebola, SARS) do not happen “simply”, but are largely the result of our impact on nature.

The data showed how 60% of emerging epidemics originate from animal species and two-thirds of these from wildlife. The changes we cause in their habitats (often the complete destruction) cause changes in the biology of fauna species —their diet, behaviour, reproduction, mortality— that can have important repercussions on human populations.

For this reason, scientists talk about “the ecology of diseases” and some projects with a global vision of health (Ecohealth) have been launched, based on the fact that people’s health is absolutely linked to the health of ecosystems and the health of the planet as a whole.

Read also the article by Ignace Schops “It´s the lack of nature, stupid!

There are numerous scientific evidences that demonstrate these relationships. One of the most studied fauna groups, due to its importance, are bats, especially those that feed on fruits. This group has co-evolved over millions of years with a type of virus, henipaviruses, which cause little more than the equivalent of a cold in these animals. However, if these viruses are passed on to humans they are lethal in many cases.

This is what happened with the Nipah virus in Malaysia and the Hendra virus in Australia at the end of the last century, with hundreds of deaths. In both cases, the origin was the destruction of bats’ habitat, which interacted with the new environment: pig farms, in the case of Malaysia, and new developments, in Australia. Similarly, there are many other examples. Like the study showing that deforestation of only 4% in the Amazon caused an increase in malaria of 60%. In the eight years since the appearance of the article in The New York Times, scientific works have continued to confirm and expand the knowledge and relevance of this direct and worrying causality.

Today, many experts point out that all emerging diseases in recent decades stem from the combination of human intrusion into natural environments with demographic and economic changes.

The pathogens that cause these diseases, and their subsequent mutations, come from wildlife and reach people through the intense transformations that we produce in the natural environment. Globalization and large urban agglomerations do the rest.

Destroying nature has been said to be like opening Pandora’s Box. On the contrary, well-preserved natural systems are the guarantee of maintaining the fragile equilibrium that, when broken, causes pandemics like the current one.

Unfortunately, if we do not radically change our model of use of natural resources, they will become increasingly common.

And after this pandemic?

Once the current health emergency is over, it will be time to consider profound model changes. In all the fields. In our relationship with nature as well. Natural systems must be protected, conserved, restored and rationally managed.

This logically goes through a change of social, economic and political paradigm, along the same lines of initiatives based on the economy of the common good and social justice, among others. Hopefully, this period of slowing down the pace of our lives will serve to rethink our priorities. As individuals and as species. We are risking current happiness and future survival.

The EUROPARC Federation is supporting parks and protected areas to deliver health outcomes for people. The toolkit “Health and Well-being benefits” provides practical advice and inspiration from other initiatives ongoing in Europe.

Meanwhile, EUROPARC is preparing the guidelines of the initiative Healthy Parks, Healthy People Europe. It aims to provide a structured approach and resources for Parks to maximise their contribution to public health and well-being, whilst underlying the importance of protecting, restoring and investing in biodiversity.

Article issued by Carles Castell Puig

Biologist. Ph.D. in Ecology. Expert in nature conservation and member of EUROPARC health and protected areas commission

European Institutions are open despite the difficulties. The European Commission and Parliament are working, mainly remotely, while public meetings and events are cancelled or postponed.

What is happening currently at the European Institutions during the lockdown?

As we know, the current “hot” priorities of the debate in the European Institutions are the coordinated management of the COVID-19 crisis. The focus is on the EU aid to the national sanitary systems, to fund scientific research and to support the European citizens economically impacted by the lockdown measures. To stay tuned, you can visit the official website of the three institutions : The European Council, The European Commission and the European Parliament.

Inevitably, even if the Commission and the Parliament are continuing to work on other crucial subjects, several decisional processes are suffering delays.

In this complex framework, some EU initiatives, very important for Protected Areas and Natura2000 sites, have been postponed:

• The publication of the Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and Farm to Fork Strategy, initially planned for end of March has been postponed to April 29.
• The political groups of the European Parliament agreed to postpone the vote of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to after summer.

Some international events, linked to Protected Areas, are also impacted:

• COP26 on Climate Change in Glasgow (UK) is postponed. (More info on the UNFCCC website)
• COP15 on Biodiversity in Kunming (China) is also postponed. (More info on the CBD website)
• The IUCN Congress in Marseille (FR) is rescheduled to the 7-15 January 2021. (More info and update here)

Nature on the back burner?

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Well aware of the complex and challenging times we are living in, EUROPARC is strongly convinced that the EU Green Deal shall remain the main roadmap to guide European policies and budget allocations towards a more sustainable Europe, despite the current crisis. Now, it’s time.

The general attention to environmental issues, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts, are clearly at risk to lose importance in the eyes of public opinion – and if decision makers will delay process and actions. EUROPARC is therefore encouraging the EU institutions to progress with the implementation of the Green Deal roadmap.

Timeline in the policy process is crucial: finding the right moment to propose a new legislation will have an impact on the reception of this latter. It´s the concept of windows of opportunity.

Nature, health and recovery perspectives

Environmental and health challenges are strictly connected, also in the COVID-19 crisis as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the international scientific sector are strongly underlying in these days. EUROPARC strongly believes that this crisis, despite its tragic impacts, should be turned into an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of Nature in society.

There is no competition, no contradiction between protecting nature and protecting human health, healthy ecosystems are necessary for human well-being and for sustainable economy.

The European Union and the Member States should now find the ways and the resources for the management of the current sanitary and economic crisis without losing the long-term perspective that the European Green Deal represents.    

UNEP : https://www.unenvironment.org/covid-19-updates

UNEP VIDEO LINK : https://twitter.com/i/status/1245663225691152385

                                                What can you do ?

1. Contribute to the policy-making process sharing views with the European Commission!

Share your views for climate action:

It is important that nature conservation professionals actively contribute to this transparent policy-making process highlighting the role of Protected Areas and Natura2000 for Climate action. They are part of the solution.

Two initiatives are opened :

            The new Climate Law

At the beginning of March, the Commission proposed a new Climate Law. The main objective is to enshrine the 2050 climate-neutrality objective in EU law. The Commission opened a public consultation : an opportunity to give feedback about the proposal until the 1st of May 2020. Have a look here!

            The 2030 Climate Target Plan

Among others, the objective of the new Climate Law is to review the existing greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2030 enhancing its ambition (from 40% to 50-55% CO2 reduction). Stakeholders are invited to give their opinions on what is needed in the Climate Target Plan (inputs such as necessary actions in different sectors, specific policy design to increase climate ambition…) There are 2 ways to contribute:  Send feedback about the target plan by 15th of April or answer to the questionnaire for the public consultation until 23th of June. Have a look here!

Share your perspective for the future of the LIFE Programme

The LIFE programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action created in 1992. This year will be voted the new budget, an increase is foreseen! Through a survey, you are invited to give your opinion and comments about the LIFE programme. The questionnaire is available here and will be open until 27 April.

2. Raise the importance of nature!

The lockdown is an opportunity to connect with the world through social media and communicate on Nature! Make use of your channels to promote what seems important for you. You may use all your images and material to raise the importance of your Protected Areas. It is an occasion to attract future new visitors by making them dream of travelling!

3. Prepare your next conservation project

The call for proposals of LIFE Programme are now open until mid-June ! This programme is the European Commission’s financial instrument for supporting projects in the fields of environment and climate. Don’t miss your chance to make your idea come true! You can find further information on this article. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need advice or if you are looking for partners.

4. Share your own stories of ordinary heroes with #EuropeanAgainstCovid19

Are you playing your part to help fight the spread of the virus and support others during this pandemic? To highlight the positive stories of strength and solidarity all over Europe, use the hashtag #EuropeansAgainstCovid19 . It is an opportunity to share your own stories of ordinary heroes or to highlight what your organisation or volunteers are doing to help in this crisis. The European Parliament will showcase these portraits on their media channels. Let’s emphasize positive attitude across Europe!

At EUROPARC Brussels, we will keep following policy update and keep you informed on the last EU News related to Nature and Protected Areas!

As a result of centuries of logging, firewood gathering and livestock farming, forests in the Mediterranean area, and over a large part of the rest of Europe are mostly young and uniform masses. The characteristic features of maturity are mostly scare or practically absent. Therefore, 80% of forest habitats of Community interest are currently in poor conservation conditions. The situation in the Mediterranean area is more worrying, if we consider its extended history of uses and extreme vulnerability to the effects of climate change.

Mature stands are those fragments of forest that have remained untouched by human intervention, following their own natural evolution process.

Mature stands acquire unique features in the ageing process:

Very big and very old trees that offer shelter for hundreds of species of fungi and lichens, as well as birds, bats and insects.

Forest gaps caused by minor disturbances (such as collapse of big trees) that enable regeneration.

Deadwood, standing and lying on the ground that builds a habitat of multitude of species specialised in decomposing wood.

Trees of different sizes and a variety of species that form a more complete and varied ecosystem which is more resistant to alterations due to climate change.

To learn more about the characteristics of mature forests read the FAQ provided by LIFE RedBosques.

FAQ Mature Forests 

The endless cycle of a forest – How mature stands are formed

A forest lifespan can be viewed as an endless cycle from the establishment of the first seedlings, with their subsequent growth and the canopy gradually closing over, to the death and collapse of the oldest trees, opening gaps where it all begins anew. The full cycle may take several centuries, and suffer alterations from events such as forest fires or other major disturbances. This cycle is artificially shortened by silviculture, keeping the forests at its more juvenile phases.

A new forestry management approach is needed

In order to improve the maturity conditions a new forestry management approach, geared toward conservation, is needed. These new management strategies should give priority to the protection of mature stands and the promotion of the scarcest or currently non-existent features of maturity (such as deadwood, heterogeneity, species diversity, etc.). In other types of forests, oriented toward production rather than biodiversity, silviculture may also be used to boost forest maturity, so that harvesting forest resources can be compatible with higher levels of biodiversity.

Preventive management is strongly recommended in case of high levels of maturity and low or absent land uses. In some cases, active management actions should be directed to emulate nature by recreating natural events such as lightings and strong winds which would produce the fall down of trees and breaking of branches eventually leaving wood debris on the soil.

The LIFE programme is the European Commission’s financial instrument for supporting projects in the fields of environment and climate. It is aimed at public and private project promoters and aims to promote and finance innovative projects, for example on the conservation of species and habitats, soil protection, the improvement of air or water quality, waste management or climate change mitigation or adaptation.

An idea? A project? Do not miss your chance to apply for the European Funding for environmental and climate projects! You have until mid-June 2020 to submit your concept note! You can find the timeline and all the information here.

Save the date!

Do you want to know more about LIFE Programme? Are you looking for a partner? The European Commission is organising a Virtual Information and Networking Day on the 2020 LIFE call for project proposals on the 30th of April ! You can register here.

The European Unions asks for your opinion!

A connoisseur of the LIFE programme? The European Commission opened a consultation on the future of LIFE Programme. Through a survey, you are invited to give your opinion and comments about the program. The questionnaire is available here and will be open until 27 April. Completing the questionnaire should take you no more than 20-25 minutes and it includes both open and closed questions. First, you are asked to provide some information about yourself which is then followed by questions on two areas – priorities and strategies, and implementation of the future LIFE Programme. The questionnaire is concluded by information about contact details

Some tips from our experts !

Please feel free to contact for any further information and advice!