Management of Natural Resources

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

A country’s economy is determined by its resources which need to be used carefully so that it is available to future generations as well. Sustainable development is the economic development that is conducted without depletion of natural resources.

Sustainable development does not interfere with the natural functioning of ecological processes.It benefits the present generation while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of the future generations. For sustainable development, conservation and management of the natural resources is very necessary. However, resources are being exploited to a great extent and the future generations may not have access to these resources that are endangered. Over exploitation of resources also lead to dreadful consequences which are capable of destroying the environment beyond repair. The world’s natural ecosystems are under increasing pressure to satisfy the expanding population demands with food, fibre, fuel, etc. So, community sustainability requires to be preserved through the management of natural resources.

Air and Climate

The deteriorating condition of air quality and climate change can have adverse effects on the human health and ecosystem. However, air pollution can be controlled by limiting the use of harmful chemicals that are released in the atmosphere.

Energy

Energy is a non-renewable source for generation of power used at home, workplace and transportation. It causes pollution. Energy conservation is essential for the reversal of environmental changes caused by pollution. Alternate fuels can be useful in providing a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative solution.

Water

Water is utilized for various daily activities like drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, etc. It is a precious natural resource that needs to be used judiciously. The government as well as people need to work to avoid depletion of this precious resource so that there is enough supply to meet future demands.

Biodiversity

• The requirements for food, raw materials, fuel, etc are met by the biodiversity.
• The ecological balance was maintained by the enormous number of varied species that inhabited the earth.
• However, more than 80% species became extinct over time due to various forms of human interference.
• The remaining spiecies are under threat of being endangered or extinct at the current rate of resource exploitation by humans.
• So, their protection and enhancement of healthy lifestyle is essential. Zoo, national parks, biosphere reserves, wildlife safaris, and sanctuaries are steps taken by communities for the preservation of wildlife.

Land, Forests and Ecosystems

Living and non-living things in an ecosystem interact with each other. Resources such as light, soil, air, water, energy, atmosphere, forests are the requirements of the living organisms for their functioning. So, these need protection. It can be done by careful use of land resourecs by communities so that ecosystems are conserved and local economies enhanced. In this way, equilibrium will be maintained in the environment.