Biodiversity, ecosystems, and the important services they provide are fundamental to all life on Earth,
including human life. Food and critical nutrients, pharmaceutical chemicals, fuel, energy, livelihoods,
and cultural and spiritual enrichment are all available from them. They also contribute to the provision
of safe drinking water and clean air, as well as important services ranging from pest and disease control
to climate change and natural disasters. Each of these functions has direct and indirect implications for
our health and well-being, and each is a critical piece of the epidemiological puzzle that we face in our
attempts to combat infectious and noncommunicable diseases. The inextricable relationships between
biodiversity, ecosystems, and the supply of these advantages, as well as human health, are wellestablished.
Biodiversity is appreciated, maintained, restored, and properly employed in order to maintain
ecosystem functions, maintain a healthy world, and provide benefits to all people. The World Health
Organization is aware of the mounting evidence that biodiversity loss is occurring at unprecedented
rates. There is a growing awareness that this poses a serious threat to the healthy and stable ecosystems
that support all elements of our societies. Biodiversity loss can destabilize ecosystems, cause infectious
disease epidemics, and jeopardize development, food security, and natural catastrophe protection. Protecting
the public's health from these threats falls outside of the health sector's usual responsibilities. It is
based on collaborating with partners who are involved in conservation, as well as the responsible use
and management of natural resources.