Conservation of Natural Resources: Classification, Uses & Importance

Conservation of Natural Resources: Natural resources are sources from earth such as air, water, sunlight and soil. Human beings cannot survive on this earth without these natural resources. Hence, it is important for humans to preserve and conserve these natural resources. We are in a state where we have lost a lot of natural resources due to the exploitation by humans. It is our responsibility to preserve natural resources for the future well-being of mankind.

Conservation of natural resources is all about preserving and taking care of these resources that come directly or indirectly from nature. In this article, let’s learn about Conservation of Natural Resources, importance of natural conservation, ways to conserve natural resources, etc. Read on to find out more.

Conservation of Natural Resources: Definition

What is the meaning of Conservation?

Conservation means to protect, manage and uplift earth’s natural resources for current and future generations. Conservation includes judicious or wise usage of resources by humans available in nature. We should conserve natural resources for future generations. Natural resources include air, water, soil, plants, animals, coal, metals, oils, minerals, and energy.

Conservation of Resources

In the modern era, humans have exploited the natural resources available from nature in the name of development. Conservation of natural resources is a procedure of controlled usage and skillful management to preserve the resources provided by nature.

Classification of Natural Resources

Natural resources can be classified into two types: Renewable resources and Non-renewable resources.

Renewable Resources: Renewable resources can be regained by the efforts of people after they get exhausted. Example: animals, fresh air, water, land and plants.

Non-Renewable Resources: Non-Renewable resources are present in small quantity and never be regained either from earth or by human beings after getting exhausted. Example: coal, petroleum, minerals and metals.

Conservation of Water

Water is a necessary resource for all living beings. Without water, we cannot imagine life on earth. Conservation of water comprises strategies, policies, activities to manage the preservation of water and create additional methods to stop wastage and uncontrolled usage of water.

Importance of Water Conservation

Water is one of the most important natural resources. Water is inevitable as all living beings on earth need water to survive. We use water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, agricultural, and industrial purposes. Hence, it is important for humans to preserve and conserve water.

Sources of Water

What are the sources of water?

We get water from various sources. Rainwater is the main source of water. Other natural water resource include oceans, rivers, ponds and lakes.

Rainwater, groundwater, river water, sea water and surface water (lakes, ponds, etc.) are some of the ways in which we get water. We need preserve these water resources and conserve them for our current and future generation. Below are some of the methods that can be followed in order to conserve water.

1. Rainwater harvesting. It is about collecting and storing of rainwater for future use instead of allowing it to run-off.
2. Digging and cleaning of ponds and lakes
3. Expansion of dams and water reservoirs
4. Filtration of industrial wastewater for reuse
5. Set up a plant for filtering ocean water to make it usable like Minjur Desalination Plant in Chennai
6. Save water at home by controlling water usage

Conservation of Biodiversity

Biodiversity has its influence on every hierarchical level- genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity. Conservation of biodiversity is all about protection, upliftment, and scientific management of biodiversity. There are mainly two types of conservation in-situ conservation and ex-situ conservation.

In-situ means ‘in its original place.’ This refers to protected areas such as wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, national reserves, biospheres reserves, etc.

Ex situ means ‘outside or away from the original place.’ This refers to conservations where animals are moved. For example, laboratory, zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, etc.

Strategies of Conservation of Biodiversity

1. Deforestation should be stopped.
2. Resources from the ecosystem should be used efficiently.
3. Hunting and killing of wild animals should be strictly prohibited.
4. Endangered species and wildlife animals should be protected
5. Environmental Laws should be strictly implemented and followed.
6. Public awareness on biodiversity conservation and its importance should be developed.

Conservation of Energy

In human life, energy is a necessary resource. Conservation of energy is all about controlling the consumption of energy by reducing the usage of energy services. According to the law of conservation of energy, it can only be transformed from one form to another form, but it can neither be created nor destroyed. We can conserve energy by using it efficiently and by using alternative sources of energy.

Alternative Sources of Energy

Alternative energy comes from a form of energy source that is a renewable source of energy. It is a clean form of energy that does not harm the environment. Some alternative energies are:

1. Solar energy
2. Wind energy
3. Hydro energy
4. Tidal energy
5. Geothermal energy

Importance of Conservation

The importance of natural resources conservation is to:

1. Preserve natural resources (non-renewable energy sources) for future generation
2. Avoid exploitation of natural resources by humans
3. Equal distribution of natural resources among all human beings
4. Control deforestation.
5. Save money using renewable sources of energy instead of non-renewable sources of energy
6. Control air pollution
7. Increase the development of alternative sources of energy
8. Help to give good health to human beings and animals

Summary

Natural resources are God’s gift to humanity. So, it is our moral and ethical responsibility to take care of and preserve natural resources for future generation. Without these natural resources, we cannot think of life on this planet. But due to the uncontrolled usage of natural resources by humans, these natural resources are under threat. We should take strong measures to preserve our natural resources before they come to an end. We should follow the \(3\,{\text{Rs}}\) of conservation: Reduce, Recycle and Reuse.

FAQs on Conservation of Natural Resources

Q.3.What are the four types of conservation?
Ans: The four types of conservation are:
(a) Conservation of Biodiversity
(b) Conservation of Water
(c) Conservation of Energy
(d) Conservation of Soil

Q.4. What is another word for conservation?
Ans: Another word for conservation is preservation.

Q.5. Which is the best definition of conservation?
Ans: Conservation is the preservation or efficient use of resources.

Q.6. Why is conservation important today?
Ans: The importance of conservation is:
(a) To control deforestation
(b) To avoid exploitation of natural resources by humans
(c) To preserve natural resources (non-renewable energy sources) for future generations

Q.7. How can we conserve natural resources?
Ans: We can conserve natural resources by reducing consumption, reusing resources and recycling wastage.

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