Information brief: The wildlife–livelihoods–health nexus: Challenges and priorities in Asia and the Pacific

Abstract

The interplay between the wildlife–health and livelihoods nexus in the Asia-Pacific region is currently at a critical juncture, requiring immediate attention and action. The urgency of the call is underscored by the significant impacts of recent zoonotic disease outbreaks, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), avian influenza, Nipah virus, and the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting devastation on health and economies in the Asia and Pacific region. Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and mounting pressure on natural resources in the Asia-Pacific region add to the complexities of this nexus.

Failure to address these challenges could result in damaging consequences for both human and wildlife populations, including increased risks of disease transmission, biodiversity loss, and threats to livelihoods. Despite the threats to health, economies and societies that these interactions have produced, wildlife remains essential to the livelihoods of countless rural communities, particularly those of Indigenous Peoples. There is an urgent need for action to mitigate or prevent future calamities and promote sustainable coexistence between people and wildlife.

This first information brief on the wildlife-livelihoods-health nexus in Asia and the Pacific is intended to shed light on the current landscape of human–wildlife–health interactions, examine the challenges, and the existing and potential opportunities for change. The brief concludes with recommendations for policymakers on how to better protect all species, livelihoods and societies. The recommendations are expected to stimulate coordinated actions and promote policy changes and investments across sustainable use and management of wildlife resources, rural livelihoods, and One Health.