Science points to the fact that deforestation, degradation of natural habitats and wildlife poaching but also climate change increase the risk of deadly diseases spilling over into humans. A new report shows that tech companies could have a role to play. Digital platform can design interactive approaches that allows citizens to positively engage with nature even far from home. A new survey [developed by the CAFI Secretariat, CUFE and GDFA and] conducted on Alipay digital lifestyle platform users reveals that such a role would be positively received by the platform users. Alipay Ant Forest users show interest in engaging in protection of the world’s second largest rainforest. In that respect, tropical forests like the Congo basin rainforest holds one of the keys to sustaining life on Earth through their major contribution to climate mitigation, biodiversity, rainfall patterns and the livelihoods of tens of million people. Their conservation and sustainable use can also reduce the risk of future pathogens spreading to human populations.

Organisations large and small, in the public and private sectors, have expressed deep concerns about the impact of Covid-19 on their people, productivity and cashflow, according to ACCA’s new global research among 10,000 finance professionals.