India, May 26 -- From Nipah outbreaks in Southeast Asia to Monkey Fever in Western Ghats, the destruction of forests is accelerating the rise of zoonotic diseases, those that jump from animals to humans. Protecting forests is not just an environmental imperative - it's a public health necessity

Our planet's forests, long considered a vital shield against environmental degradation, are increasingly being recognised for another crucial role: safeguarding human health. The COVID-19 pandemic that challenged the healthcare systems of the world, put unfathomable pressure on health professionals, and caused massive losses to the world economy and humanity, is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of human and environmental health. With eve...