Conservation of natural resources: Definition,

Importance, Types and Sample Questions

Natural resources are the resources that exist in nature without the absence of human
intervention. This comprises sources of value such as commercial and industrial utility,
aesthetic value, scientific curiosity, and cultural worth. It encompasses the sun,
the atmosphere, water, land, all minerals, all plants, and all animal life on Earth. Natural
resources can be safeguarded in natural reserves as part of our natural heritage if only we
take the necessary steps. In this article, we will look at ways for conservation of natural
resources, the importance of conservation, and the types of natural resources.

What are Natural Resources?

A natural resource might be any kind of material that exists in nature that can be used by
people. Natural resources include coal, oil, metals, natural gas, stone, and sand. Air,
sunshine, soil, and water are all examples of natural resources. Food, fuel, and raw
materials for manufacturing are all made from natural resources. Plants and animals provide
all of the food that people consume. Heat, light, and electricity are provided by natural
resources such as coal, natural gas, and oil.

Natural resources also refer to the raw materials that are used to make things that we use on
a daily basis, such as toothbrushes and lunch boxes, as well as clothing, automobiles,
televisions, computers, and refrigerators. Natural resources may be used to get a variety of
essential items. The following are some examples:

 Wind energy is generated by blowing air.

 Food, clothing (wool, silk), and other products are made from animals.
 Coal is utilized in the power generation process.
 Plants are used to make food, paper, and timber, among other things.
 Water is utilized for a variety of purposes, including drinking, washing, and
hydroelectricity.
 Photosynthesis, solar electricity, and other processes rely on sunlight.

Natural resources
Type of Natural Resources
Natural Resources can be classified mainly into two types, Renewable, and Non-
renewable resources.

 Renewable resources are natural resources that can be renewed at roughly the
same rate as they are consumed, such as trees, water, sun, and wind. Renewable
resources, on the other hand, can be exhausted if they are not managed or protected
appropriately.
 Non-renewable resources are natural resources that are exhausted faster and that
can not be replenished. Oil and natural gas are fossil fuels that have been created
over millions of years. Nonrenewable resources are gone for good once they've been
extracted and used up.

Natural resources can also be classified as biotic and abiotic resources:

 Natural resources that come from the biosphere are known as biotic natural
resources (organic and living materials). These include animals, woods (vegetation),
and various things that may be obtained from them. Because they are made up of
decomposed organic matter, fossil fuels like petroleum, oil, and coal are included in
this category.
 The non-organic and non-living natural resources are referred to as abiotic natural
resources. Water, land, air, and heavy metals such as iron, copper, silver, gold, and
others are examples of abiotic natural resources.

Nature also has metallic and non-metallic resources:

 Minerals that include metals are known as metallic minerals. They are
tougher, more lustrous, and may be melted to create new items. Iron, copper,
and tin are some examples.
 Metals are absent from non-metallic minerals. They are softer and lack
lustre. Clay and coal are two examples.

Renewable vs Non-renewable resources

Problems associated with Natural Resources
Natural resource extraction, processing, and usage can result in pollution of the air,
land, and water, ecosystem disruption or annihilation, and a reduction in biodiversity.

 Carbon dioxide, for example, is a significant greenhouse gas created by burning coal,
oil, and natural gas (fossil fuels). The heat from the sun is absorbed and retained by
greenhouse gases. Methane, ammonia, sulphur dioxide, and some chlorinated
hydrocarbons are examples of greenhouse gases.

Many scientists think that increasing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere can
lead to global climate change (a change in the average global temperature of the
atmosphere near the Earth's surface). This state has the potential to cause global
hazards such as floods, drought, and disease.

 Natural resource extraction and use can potentially disrupt ecological

interactions. Clearing trees from a field, for example, can disrupt habitats
inhabited by numerous animals, forcing them to find other homes.
 Natural resource extraction and use, as well as other human actions, may
reduce biodiversity, or the range of creatures that dwell on the planet.
Because wild species and natural ecosystems are valuable commodities,
reducing the Earth's biodiversity has a significant human cost.
Conservation of Natural Resources
Everything we need in our daily lives is derived from the natural resources
accessible to us. Furthermore, even our artificial resources are derived from natural
resources that are readily available in nature. We never consider, however, that if we
utilize these resources carelessly, they would ultimately be depleted. Global
population growth, increasing urbanization, and industrialization have all resulted in
higher demand for available resources.

Conservation of Natural Resources refers to the practice of minimizing the

waste of natural resources and ensuring the needs of the present are met with
a consideration of the needs of the future. The contemporary lifestyle and
technological advancements have had a significant negative influence on natural
resources. Natural resources such as coal and petroleum are rapidly dwindling, and
once they are consumed, we will have to rely on other energy sources. As a result, it
is critical that we humans operate in a manner that ensures the conservation of
natural resources. Natural resource conservation can be accomplished in a variety of
ways. The basic principle behind conservation is to maximize the utilization of natural
resources while avoiding waste.

Conservation of Natural Resources

Importance Conservation of Natural Resources

 In order to safeguard animals

The primary motivation for conservation is to conserve wildlife and increase

biodiversity. Protecting wildlife and maintaining it for future generations ensures that
the species we care about do not become extinct. This ensures that the ecosystem
remains healthy and functional. Some species, such as those seen in zoos and
aquariums, cannot thrive outside of their natural environment without human
assistance. As a result, the loss of their native habitats is a serious danger to their
existence. Furthermore, animals that move and live in several natural habitats are at
risk. The preservation of these habitats aids in the protection of the
overall ecosystem.
  To safeguard the environment

Climate change is already wreaking havoc on our natural environment, therefore it's
no secret that our planet's future must be secured. We must decrease the amount of
harm that human activities do to the environment in order to preserve the planet for
future generations. And we should do everything we can to help the natural
environment.

Nature is our most powerful weapon in the battle against global warming, and we
can fully utilize nature's contribution to take the action required to avert a
catastrophic rise in temperature through conservation efforts. Everything from
tropical forests to our shoreline has a role in combating climate change and ensuring
the safety of our communities. As a result, it's critical that we do everything we can to
safeguard them.

 For the sake of human health

Conservation of natural resources is important for a variety of reasons, one of which

is the influence it has on human health, both in terms of controlling the spread of new
diseases and the manufacturing of medications that we rely on.

Animal habitats in the wild act as a deterrent. It keeps new infectious illnesses from
spreading from animals to people. Habitats that were formerly untouched have been
removed to make place for humans and agriculture. This has brought wild and
domestic animals closer, making it easier for illnesses to spread to people.

The Ebola outbreak is one such case. Ebola is a zoonosis (an animal illness that can
be transferred to humans), and it is most likely carried by bats.

Many of the drugs we use as humans are made from compounds generated by
animals or plants. As a result, by preserving nature, we are also preserving the life-
saving pharmaceuticals we rely on, such as anti-cancer treatments.

To put it another way, we can't be healthy in an unhealthy atmosphere. It is in our

best interests to protect the natural environment to the greatest extent possible. The
exploitation of the natural environment jeopardizes our ability to feed and hydrate the
world's population. Pollution, for example, is directly hazardous to human health.
 Importance Conservation of Natural Resources

Ways for Conservation of Natural Resources

Certain actions must be taken to guarantee that we continue to enjoy the benefit of
these natural resources, and if we do not, our future generations will face enormous
difficulties. Conservation of natural resources guarantees that the ecological
equilibrium is maintained. Some of the ways to conserve natural resources are:

1. Utilization of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind energy

These alternative energy sources are environmentally benign, especially because

they do not emit toxic pollutants that deplete the ozone layer. When compared to
fossil fuels such as coal and charcoal, they are superior. They are also inexpensive
to use, do not deplete quickly, and are renewable.

2. Plant trees to keep soil from eroding.

This comprises planting trees and plants to combat wind and water-induced soil
erosion. Trees and plants are necessary for the ecosystem's survival. Most insects,
birds, and certain symbiotic plants call them home. This creates a habitat for
species, resulting in overall wildlife conservation.

3. Using smart water conservation techniques in our houses.

Simple procedures such as ensuring that taps are closed while not in use are part of
this. Showering for shorter periods of time saves gallons of water every month.
Reusing part of the water in our houses to water our garden is also a good idea.

4. Oil should be transported by pipes.

Many oil leaks occur as a result of oil being transported by ship. The oil spills have a
negative impact on the environment's vegetation and wildlife. The majority of these
species perish as a result of oil spills. Pipelines are one example of current oil
transportation methods.

5. Treatment of industrial wastes and sewage before discharging them into

bodies of water

Wastes that are damaging to the ecology have emerged from rapid industrialization.
The direct discharge of these effluents into water bodies has resulted in major water
contamination in several parts of the world, particularly in poor nations. To avoid
thermal and chemical contamination of water, industrial and human waste should be
handled.

6. Use energy-saving techniques that are prudent.

Switching off lights and disconnecting electrical equipment while not in use are
examples of such measures. Even when not in use, plugged-in equipment use
power. Other habits include taking hot showers for shorter periods of time.

7. Biogas usage in our homes

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is the most common source of fuel in our houses
nowadays all over the world. As a result of continued LPG usage, oil supplies are
depleted; biogas is thus a viable alternative. Biogas is mostly made from cow dung,
and biogas facilities generate both biogas and manure.

8. Make waste recycling a priority.

Plastics and paper bags are among the few pollutants that have resulted in tonnes of
rubbish. Recycling is the process of repurposing previously used materials. This
minimizes the quantity of garbage accessible, resulting in less contamination of the
land and water.

9. Instead of plastic and paper bags, use earthbags.

The over-usage of plastic bags is responsible for the majority of the garbage. Every
time you go to the grocery shop, bring an earthbag with you. Products should also be
packaged in recyclable materials.

10. Make crop rotation a habit

Soil fertility is depleted when the same crops are planted over an extended length of
time. Crop rotation will replenish and preserve soil fertility, allowing the soil to be
conserved.
 11. Create particular conservation plans for endangered plant and animal species.

This includes botanical gardens and sanctuaries that may be constructed to

safeguard endangered species so that future generations might enjoy them.

12. Wild animal translocation

Human population growth has resulted in human encroachment on wildlife habitats.

This has resulted in a human-animal conflict in which people slaughter wildlife in
order to defend themselves from them. Translocation is relocating wild animals to
nearby locations and erecting fences to prevent confrontation.

Things to Remember

 A natural resource might be any kind of material that exists in nature that can be
used by people.
 Humans rely on natural resources for survival, either directly or indirectly.
 Air, soil, water, sunshine, coal, plants, animals, and minerals are examples of natural
resources.
 Furthermore, nature is the sole supply of our most basic necessities, such as food,
clothes, and shelter.
 Natural resources are limited in supply and non-renewable.
 Natural resources are becoming scarce as the world's population grows, thus
conservation is critical. This enables us, as well as future generations, to maximize
the use of natural resources.
 Conservation of Natural Resources is being undertaken in a number of ways.

a. By refusing to chop down trees.

b. Plastic consumption should be reduced.
c. Using alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and tidal energy, among
others.
d. Making use of public transportation.
e. Rainwater conservation is important.
f. Pollution reduction.
g. Not dumping industrial effluents into water resources.
h. Reducing, Recycling and Reusing.

Sample Questions
Ques. What do you mean by conservation of natural resources? (3 marks)

Ans. Natural resources are those that are found naturally on the planet. These
resources may be obtained without the intervention of humans. All living species on
the planet rely on these resources. Natural resources include sunshine, air, and
water, which are directly used by living creatures. Many of these natural resources
can be replenished over time. These materials are recyclable and reusable.
However, many natural resources are rapidly depleting due to a variety of factors. It
is for this reason that natural resource conservation is vital so that living creatures
can maintain and utilize them as needed.

Ques. What is the significance of natural resources? Why is it critical to

protect them? (3 marks)

Ans. In our daily lives, we rely on natural resources. Almost all of the things we use
on a daily basis are derived from natural resources. Air, water, sunshine, coal,
minerals, forests, and land are some examples of natural resources that we utilize.
Nature contributes to the overall environmental balance and fully meets all human
requirements.

Ques. Recognize the difference between renewable and non-renewable energy

resources. (3 marks)

Ans. Renewable resources and non-renewable resources are distinguished as:

 Renewable Resource: Resources that can be renewed in a reasonable amount of

time.

Solar and wind energy, for example.

 Non-renewable resources: Ecological mechanisms are unable to renew these

resources.

Coal and petroleum are two examples.

Ques. What are Mineral Resources? (2 marks)

Ans. Mineral resources are substances that exist naturally and have certain
chemical and physical qualities.

Identified resources, unknown resources, and reserves are the different types of
resources.

Ques. What role does a person play in natural resource conservation? (2

marks)

Ans. It is the responsibility of each individual to protect natural resources in such a

way that they will be available to future generations as well. As a result of advances
in technology and population increase, the modern world is confronted with a slew of
issues relating to natural resource depletion. As an individual, one can ensure that
no waste of natural resources is done from their end and an environment-friendly
approach should be adopted.

Ques. What are some of the negative consequences of land degradation? (2

marks)
Ans. Negative impacts of land degradation include deterioration of soil structure and
texture, loss of soil fertility owing to the loss of essential nutrients, increased
waterlogging, and salinity, alkalinity, and acidity issues.

Ques. What is the role of farmlands in the conservation of natural resources?

(2 marks)

Ans. On the farm, conservation methods play a significant role in reducing food
safety issues. By minimizing the migration of viruses, fertilizers, and pesticides into
streams, rivers, and lakes, stream-side vegetation, grassed filter strips, and
wetlands, farmlands can help in keeping our water supply clean.

Ques. What can we do to protect natural resources? (2 marks)

Ans. The three R's — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – are the golden rules of
conservation. Reduce resource usage and waste. The second phase entails
repurposing materials rather than discarding them after one usage. Recycling helps
to decrease pollution and energy and raw material waste.