Conservation Of Natural Resources- Significance and Strategies

Natural resources are vital for the sustainable development of the environment. It includes resources such as water, air, soil, plant, animal and earth resources. Due to human activities, natural resources are exploited, and many species are extinct. Experts and environmentalists recommended conserving natural resources to balance biodiversity.

Table of Contents:

What is Natural Resources?
Need for the Conservation Of Natural Resources
Water Conservation
Soil Conservation
Fossil Fuel Conservation
Biodiversity Conservation
Conservation Legislation
Practice Problems On Conservation Of Natural Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Natural Resources?

Natural resources refer to the resources that are available on the earth naturally. It includes air, water, sunlight, petroleum, fossil fuels, natural gas, etc. They are categorised into two types:

Renewable resources: These resources can be refilled or available and are abundant in nature. It can't be depleted over time and can be replaced quickly by natural processes. It includes air, water, and sunlight.

Non-renewable resources: These resources can not be refilled quickly and are available in very less quantities on the earth. It takes over decades to replace natural processes. It includes fossil fuels, coal, natural gas and oil.

Natural resources are being exploited for economic gains. Depletion of resources can result in a threat to the existence of the human race.

Need for the Conservation Of Natural Resources

Conversion of natural resources refers to protecting and caring for natural resources like water bodies, soil, forests, minerals, animals, etc. Thus, they continue to be available for future generations. Besides our basic requirements, we tend to excessively exploit the resource. If this continues, there will be no resources available in the future. It is crucial to conserve natural resources for the following reasons:

To maintain ecological equilibrium
To protect biodiversity
To balance the human race’s survival
To preserve natural resources for current and future generations

Biology Sir

Source: Biology Sir

Water Conservation

Water is the most significant and valuable resource for the survival of all life. We use water for drinking, washing, irrigation for agriculture, electricity generation and for many industrial purposes. Water scarcity can be a threat to survival and leads to loss of natural vegetation.

Water conservation is important for the survival of humanity, animals and plants. We can conserve them in the following ways:

Efficient utilisation of water daily.
Dams and reservoirs control water flow for agricultural purposes and generate hydroelectric power.
Rainwater harvesting to store rainwater and recharge groundwater.
Hazardous water elimination from industries should be handled from polluting freshwater resources.

Soil Conservation

Soil conservation helps to enhance soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. We can conserve soil in the following ways:

Afforestation to prevent soil erosion.
Maintaining the soil fertility through crop rotation, applying manure regularly
Control grazing to the designated location
Terracing to manage water flow in hilly places

Fossil Fuel Conservation

Fossil fuels are important for everyday activity. They can be obtained from the remains of dead organisms. Some of the most common fossil fuels include natural gas, coal, oil, minerals, etc. As they are limited sources and can be formed after many years, we have to preserve them and take care of them. Governments employ different measures to conserve fossil fuels.

Biodiversity Conservation

In-situ conservation: This means onsite conservation to protect plants and animals in their habitats. They protect the areas of land or sea where they live. E.g., Wildlife Sanctuaries, Biosphere Reserves and National Parks.

Ex-situ conservation: This refers to off-site conservation to preserve plants and animals in their native environment, such as botanical gardens, zoos, pollen banks, tissue culture facilities etc.

Conservation Legislation

Our Indian constitution has levied certain acts to protect our natural resources. Some of the legislative acts are listed below:

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
National Forest Policy, 1988
Environment Protection Act, 1986

Practice Problems On Conservation Of Natural Resources

Q1. Which of the following is not a renewable resource?

A. Minerals
B. Air
C. Water
D. Sunlight

Ans: A. Minerals

These resources can be refilled and are abundant in nature. It can't be depleted over time and can be replaced quickly by natural processes. It includes air, water, and sunlight.

Q2. Which of the following locations practise Terracing?

A. Forest region
B. Agriculture field
C. Hilly region
D. Residential region

Ans: D. Hilly region

Terracing is the practice of splitting a slope into many flat lands for water flow in hilly regions.

Q3. When was the Wildlife Protection Act passed?

A. 1971
B. 1972
C. 1973
D. 1974

Ans: B. 1972

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When is World Nature Conservation Day observed?
Answer: We observe July 28 as World Nature Conservation Day every year. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of the conservation of natural resources for a sustainable planet.

Q2. How to save water efficiently?
Answer: We can efficiently save water from our daily activities. Besides, implementing a Rainwater harvesting plant in every house can save water and recharge groundwater.

Q3. What are the strategies for biodiversity conservation?
Answer: There are two strategies for biodiversity conservation. They are In-situ conservation and Ex-situ conservation.