Conservation of Natural Resources

Nature provides us with the basic needs for our survival such as food, shelter, clothes, etc. We use air, water, soil, minerals, coal, petroleum, animals, plants etc. in our daily life? But do you ever think, how long these precious materials of nature will last? The growing population, rapid industrialisation and– urbanisation have created heavy demand on natural resources. This lesson deals with means of conservation of natural resources through prevention of resource ever exploitation and sustainable development.

OBJECTIVES

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• explain the term natural resources;
• familiarise with the traditions practised in India for conservation of nature;
• describe the reasons for degradation of natural resources and suggest measures to prevent these;
• define biodiversity and describe the need to conserve biodiversity;
• list the various endangered species of animals and plants;
• state the various environmental laws passed to conserve the natural resources;
• explain sustainable development and justify its need; and
• describe the various conventional as well as non-conventional sources of energy.