Tropical peatlands and their conservation are important in the context of COVID-19 and potential future (zoonotic) disease pandemics

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruption, with the emergence of this and other pandemics having been linked to habitat encroachment and/or wildlife exploitation. High impacts of COVID-19 are apparent in some countries with large tropical peatland areas, some of which are relatively poorly resourced to tackle disease pandemics. Despite this, no previous investigation has considered tropical peatlands in the context of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). Here, we review: (i) the potential for future EIDs arising from tropical peatlands; (ii) potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from COVID-19; and (iii) potential steps to help mitigate these risks. We find that high biodiversity in tropical peat-swamp forests, including presence of many potential vertebrate and invertebrate vectors, combined, in places, with high levels of habitat disruption and wildlife harvesting represent suitable conditions for potential zoonotic EID (re-)emergence. Although impossible to predict precisely, we identify numerous potential threats to tropical peatland conservation and local communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes impacts on public health, with the potential for haze pollution from peatland fires to increase COVID-19 susceptibility a noted concern; and on local economies, livelihoods and food security, where impacts will likely be greater in remote communities with limited/no medical facilities that depend heavily on external trade. Research, training, education, conservation and restoration activities are also being affected, particularly those involving physical groupings and international travel, some of which may result in increased habitat encroachment, wildlife harvesting or fire, and may therefore precipitate longer-term negative impacts, including those relating to disease pandemics. We conclude that sustainable management of tropical peatlands and their wildlife is important for mitigating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reducing the potential for future zoonotic EID emergence and severity, thus strengthening arguments for their conservation and restoration. To support this, we list seven specific recommendations relating to sustainable management of tropical peatlands in the context of COVID-19/disease pandemics, plus mitigating the current impacts of COVID-19 and reducing potential future zoonotic EID risk in these localities. Our discussion and many of the issues raised should also be relevant for non-tropical peatland areas and in relation to other (pandemic-related) sudden socio-economic shocks that may occur in future.

Envisioning a resilient future for biodiversity conservation in the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Yet, examples of new or enhanced pressures upon domestic animals and wildlife as a result of COVID-related societal change are emerging, including increased hunting and harvesting pressure and the loss of food sources for wildlife (Ghosh & Aggarwal, 2020). The global reduction in mobility has had significant negative ramifications for the conservation sector, amidst the postponement or cancellation of research, monitoring and training/education programs and declines in travel and tourism revenue (Corlett et al, 2020;Evans et al, 2020;Harrison et al, 2020;Hockings et al, 2020). But the pandemic may also provide new opportunities for public engagement and research, with scientists calling for enhanced research efforts in the wake of the pandemic (Knight et al, 2020;Rutz et al, 2020).…”

“…We identified five cross-cutting conservation issues that were being caused, or were likely to be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic (Table 2; Figure 2). These were: (a) reduced funding and/or income resulting from lowered visitation/memberships that directly contributed towards conservation activities (Lindsey et al, 2020;Smith et al, 2021;CS1, CS2, CS3, CS5 and CS6) or which provided income and livelihoods to local communities (CS2 and CS6), and concerns that international funds would be reduced or redirected elsewhere (Cheval et al, 2020;Corlett et al, 2020;CS1-6); (b) a reduction in or lack of monitoring data caused, or exacerbated, by closures and social distancing restrictions (Cheval et al, 2020;Sugai, 2020 (Corlett et al, 2020;Evans et al, 2020;Harrison et al, 2020;Laffoley et al, 2020;Lu et al, 2021;MacFarlane & Rocha, 2020). Rangers working within the Cantanhez National Park, Guinea-Bissau, were trained in how to reduce inter-species disease transmission and risk (CS2).…”

“…The cancellation of in-person meetings and conferences across industry, government and academia is likely to lead to key developments and decisions being postponed (Corlett et al, 2020). Concerns have been raised that the impact of cancelled field trips, meetings and other networking or skillbased opportunities may further entrench existing biases within conservation (Harrison et al, 2020). On the other hand, researchers and conservation practitioners have argued that online meetings are potentially more equitable and inclusive as researchers and conservation staff have greater opportunity to attend (Miller-Rushing et al, 2021, CS1), and that online platforms provide opportunities to expand public engagement through, for example, citizen science programs (Kishimoto and Kobori, 2021;CS3).…”

“…The engagement of local communities in conservation may also suffer as field and education activities and collaborations are halted or restricted (Lindsey et al, 2020, CS1, CS6), although technology has played a role in maintaining engagement in some communities as well as providing opportunities to test new approaches to engagement (Harrison et al, 2020;Miller-Rushing et al, 2021, CS6).…”

“…Loss or reduction of in-person engagement mechanisms may have longer term effects if remote communities become increasingly wary of visitors bringing disease, while trust may decline if long-term relationships are put on pause (Harrison et al, 2020). In some field sites, however, the pandemic provided an opportunity to renew the emphasis on in-country partnerships and collaboration (CS2, CS6), and to enhance public engagement related to local wildlife and biodiversity issues (CS3, CS5).…”