INTRODUCTION
The term environment describes the sum total of physical and biotic conditions influencing the responses of organisms in terms of their life, natural behavior, growth, reproduction, and development (Douglas and Holland, 1947). Human beings are co-existing with other lives such as plants and animals in the ecosystem. Thus, the response of one influences the response of another on earth.
Sustainable Environment
Pollution and environmental degradation due to anthropogenic activities resulted in many environmental issues such as global warming, heat stress, acid rain, ozone depletion, damage to ecosystems, scarcity, and contamination of natural resources. This has serious effects on all lives on earth (i.e.) human, animal, and plant health. Thus, there has been a major focus on “environmental sustainability” in recent days. The concept is “maintenance of natural capital” i.e., the current generation needs to meet their needs by keeping in mind to preserve environmental health so that the future generation does not get affected (John, 2011).
One Health Focus
Biodiversity refers to the presence of a variety of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a geographical area. This maintains the ecological balance such as improvement of soil quality, and formation of a healthy ecosystem, and reduces the risks of natural disasters such as soil erosion and climate change (Manisha, 2022). Deforestation and climate change as a result of anthropogenic activities have a serious effect on the availability (both the quality and quantity) of natural resources such as air and water. The growing human population encroaches the wildlife habitats, resulting in human and wildlife conflicts.
Animals play a major role in the ecosystem. Ruminants transform fiber in the pasture into a protein with high biological value. They serve society in many ways, such as livestock, pet animals/birds, companions, entertainers, food animals, draught animals, and military, etc., Climate change leads to immune suppression and increases the incidence of infectious and/or zoonotic diseases (60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic in nature) (Johnes et al., 2008).
Conclusion
Thus, the health of plants, animals, and the environment are interrelated. So, the concept of one health and its implications is foremost essential for sustainable environment development. People need to focus on biodiversity preservation, reuse and regenerate concepts, design any new technology with a view to environmental impacts, minimize pollution and preserve animal health and productivity for sustainable environmental production by keeping in view of ecological, biological, and socio-economic views.
Barathiraja S
Assistant Professor (C), Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (RIVER), Kurumbapet, Puducherry, India
