Natural Resources Management

Introduction

Resources are the things that are present in the environment and are used to make life easier and comfortable. The land, water, sunlight, forests, are all resources that the nature has gifted for human life. However, being an explorer man has modified some of these resources or combined them to generate some other resources like vehicles, machinery, etc. in order to make life easy. Based on their origin these resources are classified broadly as natural resources and man-made resources. Management of natural resources is of prime importance because every other resource and survival of life is dependent on them.

What are natural resources?

Natural resources or in economic terms land and raw materials are substances found in the environment in their natural state relatively free of human intervention. The elements found in nature and useful to mankind are called natural resources. The properties of natural resources change based on the different microbial to human worlds around them and the differences in their environmental characteristics. Natural resources become crucial for human life and the fulfilment of own needs and wants. The natural resource helps humans to interact with the natural landscape. In recent times it has been the work of expert groups on natural resource planning to think about the degradation of natural resources and how to make continued progress in conserving them.

Types of natural resources

Natural resources are divided into two types based on their composition. They are Biotic and Abiotic resources. Natural resources are divided into two types based on their utility. They are renewable and non-renewable resources.

Biotic Resources

Those obtained from the biosphere are called biotic resources. Examples include forest products, and the products of animals, fish, marine life and bird products. Foils such as coal and petroleum are also considered natural resources because they are obtained from naturally extinct and stressed organisms. Living things found in the world came to be known as biological resources only after they are identified by humans. Ancient humans collected materials according to their needs and preserved them for future use. Man of that time had only three primary needs. They are food, clothing and shelter. To fulfil these needs man was engaged in primary activities such as trapping animals, food storing, fishing and collecting wild resources.

Abiotic Resources

Grounds, water, wind and metals such as gold, iron, copper, silver etc. are abiotic resources. Ancient man also searched for abiotic resources. Ancient man went in search of good water-rich lands for agriculture and animal husbandry. From hunting to farming, he needed tools. At first, he made tools out of stones. He then dug into the earth in search of alternative resources to make these tools. While digging, he first found copper and then iron.

Renewable Resources

Resources that cannot be destroyed and that can be regenerated or produced are called renewable resources. For example,

• Heat energy from the sun

• Power of wind

• Water sources like lakes, rivers and oceans

• Earth-derived soil

Non-renewable Resources

Non-renewable resources are those natural elements that have been naturally depleted, stressed and transformed into resources over various long geologic periods. These resources are considered non-renewable resources as they are depletable and cannot be regenerated or produced once they are extracted and used. Example: Coal, petroleum oil and other minerals.

Need for natural resource management

• Resources are very limited. Natural resources management helps to use resources effectively in the present and conserve them for future generations.

• Resources are not only scarce but also unequally spread over the earth. Pollution control, protection of environment and conservation of natural plants and animals.

• Resources management is necessary to prevent over-exploitation of resources.

• Identify the causes of resource depletion, prevent wastage and overuse and recycle the reusable resources.

Principles of natural resources management

The international organization IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and natural resources) plays a major role in the conservation of natural resources and their sustainable use. IUCN is the global leadership (authority) organization to know the natural state of the world and to take the necessary steps to become the protector of nature. Its principle is “a just world that respects and protects nature”. Its goal is to encourage and help every community to preserve the diversity and unit in nature and to emphasize that any natural resource use is fair and environmentally not affected.

Parts of natural resources management

There are three ways to protect natural resources, they are 3R’s that are Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. A resource changes only after it discovers its utility. Human needs vary widely from day to day. As the need changes, so do the resources that satisfy it. Factors that make a commodity a resource are time and technology. For example, in an age where coal and petroleum are dwindling, the new invention of solar panels, which help convert solar energy into electricity remains a valuable resource.

Benefits

• Natural resource management develops and protects nature. This development should be done without difficulty for the needs of future generations. Conservation of resources is the careful management of resources.

• Sustainable development will occur through natural resource management. This development is growth that meets the needs of the present and leaves enough resources for future generations.

Conclusion

Resources are the things that are naturally available on earth for human use. The resources humans live in are natural elements (rocks and minerals) embedded in the Earth’s surface and interior. Those obtained from the biosphere are called biotic resources. Examples include forest products, and the products of animals, fish, marine life and bird products. Resources that cannot be destroyed and that can be regenerated or produced are called renewable resources. Grounds, water, wind and metals such as gold, iron, copper, silver etc. are abiotic resources. Resources that cannot be destroyed and that can be regenerated or produced are called renewable resources.

FAQs

1. What is called as world’s greatest pharmacy?

Tropical rainforests are known as the world’s greatest pharmacy. 25% of the plants found in the region are medicinal plants. Example Cinchona.

2. What are universal resources?

Some resources are found in all parts of the world. Resources found in this way are called universal resources. Example: Sunlight and wind.

3. How are resources classified based on ownership?

Based on proprietary rights, resources are classified as individual resources, community-owned resources, National resources and International resources.

4. What are man-made Resources?

Natural resources are transformed by technology and made into new materials. Thus the obtained resources are called man-made resources. Sugar from sugarcane and all man-made construction are man-made resources. For example, Bridges, houses and roads.

5. What are International Resources?

The resources found in the vast open ocean that does not connect to any country are called International Resources. The resources in this area can be used only through international agreements.