Ans: Natural resources are substances and components found in the environment that are essential for the survival and well-being of living organisms.
They can be categorised into two main types:
- Renewable Resources: These can be naturally regenerated, such as sunlight, wind, forests, and freshwater. They are sustainable if used wisely.
- Non-renewable Resources: These are finite and cannot be replaced on a human timescale. Examples include fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and minerals.
- Conservation of Natural Resources: Conservation refers to the responsible and sustainable use of natural resources to ensure their availability for future generations. Here are some key principles of natural resource conservation:
- Sustainable Practices: Adopting sustainable practices in agriculture, forestry, and fishing to prevent resource depletion.
- Reducing Waste: Minimizing waste production through recycling and efficient resource use.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting ecosystems and habitats to preserve biodiversity and prevent species extinction.
- Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy-efficient technologies and reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
- Water Management: Efficiently managing water resources and preventing pollution of freshwater bodies.
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Promoting the mantra of “reduce, reuse, recycle” to minimize resource consumption and waste generation.