INZ ahead of World Environment Day – Towards better health through environmental protection

(Patria) - The Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica (INZ) has prepared and published, ahead of World Environment Day, an informational leaflet and data on how environmental protection and pollution affect human health, emphasizing that health can only be improved and protected in healthy ecosystems.

"The impact of the environment on human health is of paramount importance. A large number of diseases are directly caused by environmental problems and pollution (cardiovascular, pulmonary, malignant, intestinal infectious diseases), as well as a significant indirect impact on human health through effects on immunity and mental health. The disruption of poorly researched and intact ecosystems leads to the spread of new disease agents, such as COVID-19. Therefore, the protection of preserved ecosystems and the regeneration and restoration of damaged ecosystems are of great importance for the protection and improvement of human health," emphasize INZ experts.

Ecosystem restoration means helping to recover ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as preserving ecosystems that are still intact. Healthier ecosystems, with richer biodiversity, bring greater benefits, such as more fertile soil, higher yields of wood and fish, and greater carbon sequestration.

Restoration and other nature-based solutions can provide a third of the results needed by 2030 to keep global warming below 2°C, while helping societies and economies adapt to climate change. Restoring 15% of damaged land in the right places could prevent 60% of projected species extinctions. Ecosystem restoration contributes to achieving all 17 Sustainable Development Goals by the target date of 2030, including the eradication of poverty and hunger.

Ecosystem degradation already affects the well-being of at least 3.2 billion people – 40 percent of the world's population. Every year, the world loses ten million hectares of forest – an area the size of the Republic of Korea or twice the size of Costa Rica.

Soil erosion and other forms of degradation cost the world more than six trillion dollars annually in lost food and other ecosystem services. Approximately 30 percent of natural freshwater ecosystems have disappeared since 1970. A third of global fish stocks are overexploited, compared to ten percent in 1974. Ecosystem degradation can increase contact between humans and wildlife and is linked to disease outbreaks.

INZ points out that trees should be planted, conditions created for natural forest regeneration, and forests and trees restored and replanted to protect soil and water flow, and to protect against natural disasters such as avalanches, landslides, and floods.

"You can add trees to your garden, public space, or farm. Rivers and lakes should be cleaned, and garbage collected, thrown away or washed ashore, so that people appreciate the environment and take better care of it. Recycle plastic and other materials. Stop using unnecessary plastic products. Be mindful of microplastics hidden in products. The more people participate, the more awareness grows about the need to reduce waste and dispose of it properly," recommend the experts.

It is necessary to restore vegetation, both above and below water, protect and restore coastal ecosystems including salt marshes, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and shellfish beds to increase their diversity and habitats and the benefits they provide.

"Reduce and treat sewage, stop the entry of chemical pollutants, industrial waste or other wastewater into water, reduce the use of agricultural chemicals. It is also necessary to protect and restore nature, remove dams or other infrastructure that is no longer needed and restore the natural flow of rivers. Encourage campaigns to prevent housing development, excavation, and mining outside sensitive areas," they emphasize.

At INZ, among the measures that help preserve and develop ecosystems, they also state that we need green public spaces.

"Design and support initiatives for restoring waterways and wetlands, planting native trees, and creating urban forest habitats and other wildlife habitats along roads and railways and in public spaces. Address micro-ecosystems one by one, manage your own garden, yard, business premises, or school, no matter how large or small, in ways that encourage nature or care for the tree by the roadside. Plant native species, start dense urban micro-forests, and compost," they point out.

INZ experts warn about the importance of investing in nature and say, 'reduce soil tillage and use natural pest control and organic fertilizers on arable land to preserve soil health and crop yields, while reducing erosion and the need for agricultural chemicals.'

"Believe in diversity, grow more trees and a greater variety of crops, and integrate them with livestock farming to further improve soil health, diversify your income, and provide better wildlife habitat. Planting flowers along the borders of agricultural areas can provide valuable 'feeding grounds' for bees and other pollinators," emphasize the Institute for Health and Food Safety Zenica.

World Environment Day has been celebrated on June 5th since 1974. This date, according to INZ, is a platform for raising awareness about environmental problems such as air pollution, plastic waste, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable food production, rising sea levels, and many others. Through this platform, people's habits are influenced, with the aim of developing sustainable habits and policies.

"Ecosystem restoration through the launch of the United Nations initiative called the 'Decade on Ecosystem Restoration' is the theme of this year's World Environment Day. Ecosystem restoration can take many forms, such as planting trees, establishing green cities and policies, building new and maintaining existing parks, changing dietary habits, cleaning rivers and banks..." emphasize INZ.