This document discusses sustainable use of natural resources. It notes that while natural resources drive development, overexploitation can threaten livelihoods and ecosystems. Some resources are renewable but can be depleted if usage exceeds regeneration rates, while non-renewable resources are finite. To preserve resources for future generations, the document advocates regulating usage, as well as harnessing renewable resources and establishing protected natural areas.

1. SUSTAINABLE USE OF
NATURAL RESOURCES
PRESENTED BY
GOWRI SHANKAR S
IYEAR M.Sc (Agrl Extension)
FACULTYOF AGRICULTURE
ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY
CHIDAMBARAM

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INTRODUCTION
» Natural resources exist naturally without any human intervention. It can be
renewed, replenished easily, and some non-renewable ones, which cannot be
replenished.
» Resources determine the economy of an area. With judicious utilization of these
resources, a country can sustain the resources for future generations.
» However, looking at the current situations, the indiscriminate use of our modern
resources are such that the possibilities of succeeding generations and the
developing countries to have access to their fair share is very rare.
» Furthermore, the consequences are dreadful and the result on the environment
will induce severe damages which go beyond the carrying capacity of the
environment.
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» Natural resources are often viewed as key assets driving development and wealth creation.
» Over time and with progressive industrialization, resource use increased.
» In some cases, exploitation levels came to exceed resources’ natural regeneration rates.
» Such overexploitation ultimately threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of people who depend on these resources, and
jeopardizes the health of ecosystems.
» This risk of resource depletion, notably manifesting in the form of fishery collapses, demonstrates the need to regulate
natural resource use to better preserve resources and their ecosystems.
» The very first UN conference on environmental issues, the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment held in
Stockholm, Sweden, adopted fundamental principles in this regard.
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TYPESOFNATURALRESOURCES
» Renewable Resources: The resources which can be obtained after usage are known as renewable resources. Renewable
resources replenish by nature. These resources are available in bulk and there are less chances of extinction. Also, the
recovery rate is more for renewable resources. For example, Sunlight, soil, water, air etc.
» Non-Renewable Resources: The resources which cannot be obtained after usage at the maximum limit are known as
non-renewable resources. Non-Renewable resources do not replenish by nature.
» These resources are available in a very limited amount and there are more chances of extinction.
» Also, the recovery rate is very slow for non-renewable resources. For example, Fossil-Fuels, Gold, Minerals, Coal and
Petroleum etc.
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NeedtoManageNaturalResources
• Humans depend on nature for their life. There are many things that we obtain from the environment for our survival like
air, water, food, clothes, sunlight etc.
• If natural resources like air, water, sunlight, food etc. are not present on earth then it could be impossible for living
beings to survive on the earth. Thus it becomes an indispensable need to manage natural resources.
• Moreover, the population of the world is increasing day by day. When the population increases, the consumption of
natural resources will also increase. So, if we do not use the natural resources carefully then it will get depleted soon.
• Our future generations would have no resources available if we don’t conserve natural resources.
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Ways to Save Natural Resources
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Water Conservation
» Water is a crucial natural resource which is required for all living beings. With the establishment of factories,
water pollution is increasing day by day. Also, the potable water is present in very less quantities. There are
some regions where water is not available. So, for equal distribution of water resources, various methods are
followed. Some of them are as follows:
» Large Canals: Large canals are built to supply water to the village areas. With the help of large canals, the
irrigation system is also improved. For example, Kulhs in Himachal Pradesh.
» Dams: Dams are used to store huge amounts of water. This water can be used for irrigation purposes and to
generate electricity. This is helpful in meeting the demand of agriculture as well as household energy
consumption.
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• Ganga Action Plan
» In 1985, the Ganga Action Plan was implemented as a massive multi-crore project,
which was undertaken to make the river Ganga pollution-free.
» It was also noticed that because of the continuous dumping of waste into river
Ganga, the number of coliform bacteria rose up to an alarming level. This
bacteria is, otherwise, found in the human intestine.
» This led to the pollution of the river. As people use water for bathing, washing
clothes, it leads to the addition of various chemicals in the water which in
turn, alters the 'ph' of the water level and makes it contaminated.
» The main aim of the project was to improve the quality of water by reducing the
concentration of contaminants in the river.
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Mineral Conservation
» Coal and Petroleum both are important sources of energy. Due to the industrial revolution, the demand for energy is
rising. This demand for energy is met by the reserves of coal and petroleum. Coal and Petroleum is present in a limited
amount. If consumption of these increases then it will get depleted in the upcoming years.
» Alternative renewable and eco-friendly sources of energy should be harnessed at its fullest inorder to meet
the increasing energy demands so that the pressure on these non-renewable resources is decreased and
thus lasts for a long time. Renewable energylike solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, tidal energy,
etc., should replace fossil fuels.
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» Environment Conservation
» Forest provides many resources like wood, timber, food, medicines etc. They also serve as a natural habitat
and a home to various wildlife animals. Due to the continuous deforestation and poaching, it is seen that
forests and many species are exploited and becoming endangered. So, it is necessary to conserve forests
and wildlife.
» The government and other stakeholders are allocating certain areas as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries,
ecologically sensitive areas and Ramsar sites so as to preserve the wildlife habitat.
» Things to Remember
» Natural resources are resources occurring on the earth without human intervention.
» Renewable resources are quickly replenished by nature
» Non- renewable resources are slowly replenished by the nature
» The combustion of coal and petroleum is increasing temperature which causes global warming
» Biodiversity contains the ecosystem of a variety of animals, plants and living organisms.

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THANK YOU
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