Today is World Environment Day which is observed on June 5 every year. This year’s theme is 'Time for Nature', with the focus on biodiversity. KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) – At a time when the world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and wildlife such as bats and pangolins are suspected to be the original hosts of the deadly coronavirus, humanity is yet again reminded of the importance of conserving biodiversity. Researchers have said that the destruction of biodiversity, including the consumption of so-called exotic wildlife by humans, can trigger epidemics such as COVID-19 and ebola.Natural ecosystems such as soil, water, air, animals, plants and various other biological elements complement one another to provide a conducive environment for all living things to thrive on earth. However, in the name of development, humans have been destroying forests, rivers, land and hills which over the long term has had adverse effects on the climate and wildlife populations. The current pandemic, said Malaysian Nature Society president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail, has led to the whole world talking about wildlife and the need to protect their habitats. “The whole world is saying that we shouldn’t eat wildlife resources and to just leave them alone in their habitats which should be protected,” he said. He told Bernama nearly one million species in the world are facing extinction and this is the reason why the perpetuation of biological diversity should be given due focus. In Malaysia, he added, more efforts must be made to conserve wildlife habitats at the various national parks and forest reserves such as the Ulu Muda forest reserve in Kedah.

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