Global human population growth is associated with many problems, such as food and water provision, political conflicts, spread of diseases, and environmental destruction. The mitigation of these problems is mirrored in several global conventions and programs, some of which, however, are conflicting. Here, we discuss the conflicts between biodiversity conservation and disease eradication. Numerous health programs aim at eradicating pathogens, and many focus on the eradication of vectors, such as mosquitos or other parasites. As a case study, we focus on the “Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomiasis Eradication Campaign,” which aims at eradicating a pathogen (Trypanosoma) as well as its vector, the entire group of tsetse flies (Glossinidae). As the distribution of tsetse flies largely overlaps with the African hotspots of freshwater biodiversity, we argue for a strong consideration of environmental issues when applying vector control measures, especially the aerial applications of insecticides. Furthermore, we want to stimulate discussions on the value of species and whether full eradication of a pathogen or vector is justified at all. Finally, we call for a stronger harmonization of international conventions. Proper environmental impact assessments need to be conducted before control or eradication programs are carried out to minimize negative effects on biodiversity.

中文翻译：

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杀人许可证？—疾病消灭计划可能不符合《生物多样性公约》

全球人口增长与许多问题有关，例如粮食和水供应，政治冲突，疾病传播和环境破坏。缓解这些问题的方法反映在一些全球公约和计划中，但是其中一些是相互冲突的。在这里，我们讨论了生物多样性保护与根除疾病之间的冲突。许多健康计划旨在消灭病原体，并且许多计划都致力于消灭媒介，例如蚊子或其他寄生虫。作为案例研究，我们集中于“泛非采采蝇和锥虫病根除运动”，旨在消除病原体（锥虫病）及其媒介，整个采采蝇（Glossinidae）组。由于采采蝇的分布与非洲的淡水生物多样性热点大体重叠，因此我们主张在采取病媒控制措施时，尤其是在空中施用杀虫剂时，应充分考虑环境问题。此外，我们希望激发有关物种价值以及完全消灭病原体或媒介的理由的讨论。最后，我们呼吁加强国际公约的协调。在执行控制或消除计划之前，需要进行适当的环境影响评估，以最大程度地减少对生物多样性的负面影响。