Bio diversity out, infectious diseases in

by Afreeha Jawad

Increasing at alarming speed are numerous infectious diseases baffling even medical science. In Sri Lanka the most recent of such was the Chickun Gunya which found no cure in allopathy only to find patients storming the ordinary Veda Kade or Ayurvedic herbal shops as a curing agent. Even doctors had recommended these herbs and roots when all else to their credit was futile. The ordinary Pas Panguva packets sold like 'hot cake' - to use a rather cliychetic expression.

Human caused changes in existing habitats can change the equilibria between predators and prey. Ecological changes can modify the behaviour of disease organisms. Parasites switch over to humans when their natural prey become extinct giving rise to increasing infectious diseases.

More than 60 per cent of the world's population depend directly on plants for their medicines. The Chinese in particular use more than 5,000 of the estimated 30,000 identified domestic species of plants for medicinal purposes. More than 40 per cent of USA's prescriptions reportedly contain one or more drugs originating from wild species ( fungi, bacteria, plants and animals).

Ecological usage does not end there. Even in agro/industrial spheres the harnessing of ecological wealth is all too well known. Tannins, resins, gums, oils and dyes are just a few in the endless use of ecological initiation into commercial benefits. A hydrocarbon giving tree in Brazil assuredly a petroleum replacement is now breaking new ground - the sap of which is around 20 litres per tree. Brazil is also into corn-based methane production which is fast moving in service stations for use on cars. Methane believably saves millions of dollars in foreign exchange as a substitute for oil.

In agriculture the use of genetic bio diversity in developing domesticated plants and animals has a long history. Plant variety usage by farmers as insurance agents against crop failure is also well-known. Biodiversity then is a global warehouse offering food, medicine and other survival agents to make life comfortable for man. That's all the good news coming off bio-diversity.

Yet, for how long such positive traits will remain that way is certainly highly questionable considering the indiscriminate use of the ecology itself that poses a horrendous threat to man's own survival.

Colombo university's very reputed and senior geographer Dr. Jayanthi de Silva expressing great concern over the Damocles Sword that hangs over mankinds head said:

Time is running out

"Well, time is running out and unless we put in a concerted effort the human species itself would be in the list of anticipated extinct species".

Sending out a fervent appeal for the preservation of resources for future generations while carefully cautious over our own needs she said,

"Sustainable development is the only way out".

The reference itself has been around for quite some time but how much of effort has gone into it makes excellent research material. With the twin developments of global warming and rise in infectious diseases itself is the 'I care less' altitude in ecological and environmental concerns with the US torch bearing in such disregard.

When politics collides with economics, whither sustainable development one may ask.

Rising population levels also demand over use of reserves with election pledges that run into improved lifestyles apart from basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Yet, sustainable development could be adopted if politicization of resources is not resorted to."Politicization of plans and profit minded multi-national companies do not show even least concern to resources.

These companies rob our plant varieties (gene piracy) and produce new food varieties and deny even our right to patenting.

Gene piracy is widespread in South America and Africa with its record levels of bio-diversity."

Deforestation, land fragmentation, illicit felling of timber, polluted waterways, transferring arable land into housing schemes and industrial estates air pollution among many other such are sure ways of mitigating if not even eliminating the biological affluence naturally bestowed on man for man.

Unplanned economies

Unplanned economies according to Professor Jayanthi de Silva - a characteristic of developing countries has a history of changing policies following party victory at election.

"So how could we have sustainability in development", asked an indignant professor.

Adding to this whole mess is the lack of co-ordination among institutions. For instance take water - it's a resource handled by the Water Board, Mahaweli Authority, Irrigation Department and so many others where wastage of funds is only to be expected. This certainly is a drain on the resource itself.

She also cited the lack of data in resources, particularly in developing countries. State institutions are not interested in collecting or updating data.

Wherever there are environmental problems therein you find the absence of sustainable development. Speedy development projects such as the accelerated Mahaweli completed within seven years (Its assured completion being spread over 30 years) is also disastrous in terms of bio-diversity and sustainable development.

All this apart, inequity in regional development results in what she calls the push and pull factor. Certain regions draw greater numbers depending on the rate of urbanization. For instance in 2006 the biggest contributor to the GDP was the Western Province notably with major infrastructure centres such as port, airport, financial houses, major imports and export organisations and other service providers including telecommunications. Thus regions with high growth rates also impacts negatively on resources leading to the loss of bio-diversity giving rise to a multitude of problems including health.

Sustainable development is a holistic approach to development and involves intellectual, emotional and spiritual means to arrive at such. However, as long as avarice continues coupled with the thirst for global supremacy is sustainable development a reality or only wishful thinking?

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