During these unprecedented times, NatureServe wants you to know we’re actively taking steps in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to taking steps to protect the well-being of our Network and staff, we continue to work every day to protect the natural world.
The magnitude of humanity’s connection to nature has been brought to the forefront. Our health and well-being depend on the health and well-being of the plants and animals on Earth, the biodiversity we strive to protect. As we consider how this pandemic started, I encourage you to also reflect on the countless benefits that healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity provide. Nature has been an important source of innovation in modern medicine, leading us to numerous treatments and cures for diseases. Our connection to the natural world is precious and essential.
As novel interactions between humans and animals continue to increase, through acts such as deforestation for agriculture or grazing, we are seeing an increase in the frequency of interactions between humans and wildlife that can expose us to diseases never encountered by people. Only by respecting and protecting biodiversity will we see a decrease in exposure to diseases that could lead to another pandemic.
With your continued support, NatureServe will continue to protect our planet’s biodiversity and thereby promote our shared health and well-being.
Wishing you and your family good health and positivity.
Sincerely,
Sean O’Brien, Ph.D.
President & CEO
NatureServe