MEV 014: Unit 16 – Approaches for Natural Resource Conservation
UNIT 16: APPROACHES FOR NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION
16.0 Introduction
Natural resources such as land, water,
minerals, forests, and wildlife are essential for life. These resources are
limited and are under pressure due to overuse and population growth.
Conservation ensures that these resources are available for future generations.
16.1 Objectives
After studying this unit, you will be
able to:
- Understand the importance of
conserving natural resources.
- Learn various approaches for
conservation and sustainable management.
- Know the role of remote sensing,
GIS, and organizations in conservation.
- Explore conservation techniques
for minerals, water, soil, forests, and wildlife.
16.1.1 Background
to Natural Resources
Natural resources are classified into:
- Renewable: Air,
water, forests, solar energy.
- Non-renewable: Fossil
fuels, minerals.
They are used for agriculture,
industries, housing, energy, and transportation.
16.1.2 Need for
Conservation of Natural Resources
- Resources are limited and
getting depleted.
- Overuse causes environmental
pollution and climate change.
- Future generations may suffer
if resources are exhausted.
16.1.3
Conservation and Management of Natural Resources
- Use resources wisely and sustainably.
- Apply scientific techniques
to monitor and manage use.
- Create awareness and involve
communities.
16.2 Mineral
Resources
Minerals are essential for industries
and economic development.
16.2.1 Mineral
Resources Status in India
India has rich mineral resources like
coal, iron, bauxite, limestone, and mica. However, many are being used at a
fast pace.
16.2.2
Conservation of Mineral Resources
- Use efficient mining
technologies.
- Promote recycling and reuse.
- Encourage substitute materials.
- Control illegal mining and
reduce wastage.
16.3 Rangeland
16.3.1
Introduction and Current Status
Rangelands are open lands used for
grazing animals. In India, they include grasslands and pastures. Overgrazing
and poor management have degraded them.
16.3.2
Conservation and Management of Rangeland
- Control overgrazing by
rotational grazing.
- Restore vegetation using
native grasses.
- Involve local people in rangeland
care.
16.4 Land
Resource Management
Land supports agriculture, housing,
and forests. Soil erosion, deforestation, and urbanization damage it.
Management methods:
- Zoning laws to avoid
misuse.
- Afforestation (planting
trees).
- Prevent land degradation
by proper farming methods.
16.5 Soil
Conservation
Soil is vital for growing food.
Erosion and chemical use have degraded it.
Conservation practices:
- Terracing and contour farming.
- Use of organic fertilizers.
- Crop rotation to improve
soil fertility.
16.6 Water
Resource
Water is essential for drinking,
farming, and industries.
16.6.1 Water
Resource Conservation
- Rainwater harvesting.
- Reduce water waste in irrigation
(drip systems).
- Treat and reuse wastewater.
- Protect lakes, rivers, and
wetlands.
16.7 Forest and
Wildlife Management
16.7.1 Forest
Conservation and Management
- Prevent deforestation.
- Promote social forestry
and tree plantations.
- Use community forest
management programs.
16.7.2 Wildlife
Conservation and Management
- Create protected areas
(wildlife sanctuaries, national parks).
- Ban hunting and poaching.
- Use captive breeding and
reintroduction programs.
- Raise awareness and
involve local communities.
16.8 Energy
Conservation
- Use energy-efficient
appliances.
- Promote renewable energy
like solar and wind.
- Encourage public transport
and reduce fuel consumption.
16.9 Conservation
and Management of Agriculture
- Promote organic farming.
- Use pest control alternatives
to reduce chemical use.
- Encourage soil and water
conservation on farms.
16.10 Marine
Resources
16.10.1
Conservation and Management of Marine Resources
- Control overfishing.
- Reduce marine pollution.
- Protect coastal ecosystems
like mangroves and coral reefs.
16.11
Conservation and Management of Biodiversity
- Protect endangered species.
- Promote gene banks and
seed banks.
- Prevent habitat destruction.
- Encourage eco-tourism.
16.12 Management
of Common International Resources
Some resources like oceans, air, and
space are shared globally.
Approaches:
- International treaties (e.g.,
Paris Climate Agreement).
- Cooperation between
nations to reduce pollution and overuse.
- Sustainable development goals (SDGs) to
manage shared resources.
16.13 Application
of Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Natural Resource Monitoring,
Management, and Planning
- Remote
sensing
uses satellites to observe earth resources.
- GIS
(Geographic Information System) maps resource use.
Applications:
- Monitor deforestation,
water use, soil erosion.
- Plan resource conservation
strategies.
- Predict natural disasters
like floods or droughts.
16.14 Role of
National and International Organizations in the Promotion of Sustainable
Natural Resource Use and Management
National
Organizations
- Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- National Biodiversity Authority
- Forest Survey of India
International
Organizations
- United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP)
- World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
- Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO)
- Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD)
These bodies support research,
education, and policy-making for resource conservation.
16.15 Let Us Sum
Up
- Natural resource conservation is
vital for sustainability and future survival.
- India must manage its rich but
fast-depleting resources.
- Conservation methods include
scientific techniques, traditional knowledge, and community participation.
- Remote sensing and GIS help
monitor resource usage.
- National and international
organizations work together to promote conservation and sustainable
development.
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