MEVE 017: Unit 14 - Environmental Ethics and Resource Management
UNIT 14: ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
14.0 Introduction
This unit introduces us to the idea of
environmental ethics, which means understanding what is right and wrong
in our treatment of nature. It also explains how we should manage natural
resources fairly and responsibly. In today’s world, where resources are
becoming scarce and the environment is under pressure, it is important to think
about ethical values, community rights, and spiritual
connections with nature to ensure sustainability.
14.1 Objectives
This unit will help you:
- Understand the ethical issues
related to environmental use and protection
- Learn about common property
resources and their management
- Explore the concepts of joint
resource management and social ecology
- Understand eco-spiritualism and
how spirituality connects to the environment
- Reflect on the causes and meaning
of ecological crisis
14.2 Issues
Pertaining to Common Property Resources (CPR) and Planning Issues
Common Property Resources (CPR) include resources like forests,
grazing lands, rivers, lakes, and fisheries, which are shared by local
communities. In many traditional societies, people used these resources
together, following certain rules and customs. But today, CPRs are often
overused or taken over by private or government interests without involving the
local people. This leads to conflicts, misuse, and degradation
of resources. Proper planning should include the community in decision-making
to ensure fair use and conservation of these resources.
14.3 Resources
and Joint Resource Management
Joint Resource Management (JRM) means managing resources like forests
or water through the combined efforts of government authorities and local
communities. This system is based on trust, cooperation, and shared
responsibility. For example, in Joint Forest Management (JFM), local
people help protect and manage forests in return for a share in forest produce.
This approach ensures that resources are used wisely and benefits are shared
fairly.
14.4 Social
Ecology
Social ecology is a concept that links environmental
issues with social structures. It says that environmental problems are
not just caused by technology or population growth but also by inequality,
poverty, and unjust systems. Social ecologists believe that only by
creating a just and equal society can we solve environmental problems. In other
words, a healthy environment depends on a healthy society.
14.5
Eco-spiritualism
Eco-spiritualism is the belief that nature is sacred
and that there is a spiritual connection between humans and the environment.
Many ancient traditions in India and around the world considered rivers, trees,
mountains, and animals as holy. Eco-spiritualism teaches us to respect and
protect nature not just for practical reasons but because it is part of a
deeper moral and spiritual responsibility.
14.6 Ecological
Crisis
An ecological crisis happens
when the environment is damaged so badly that it can no longer support life
properly. This includes issues like climate change, deforestation, water
pollution, extinction of species, and global warming. The crisis is a
result of overconsumption, greed, lack of ethics, and disrespect
for nature. Solving the ecological crisis requires not just laws and
technology but also a change in our attitudes and values toward nature.
14.7 Let Us Sum
Up
This unit teaches us that managing
resources wisely and ethically is essential for a sustainable future. Common
property resources must be protected with community involvement, and joint
management helps ensure fairness. Environmental problems are linked with social
issues, and both must be addressed together. Eco-spiritualism reminds us to
treat nature with reverence, and solving the ecological crisis requires a
strong ethical and moral response from individuals and societies.
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