Natural resource

"Primary resource" redirects here. For original sources used in research, see Primary source.

The rainforest on Fatu-Hiva, Marquesas Islands is an example of an undisturbed natural resource. Forest provides timber for humans; food and shelter for flora and fauna. The nutrient cycle between organisms form food chains and biodiversity of species.

The Carson Fall in Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia is an example of undisturbed natural resource. Waterfalls provide spring water for humans, animals and plants for survival and also habitat for marine organisms. The water current can be used to turn turbines for hydroelectric generation.

The ocean is an example of a natural resource. Ocean waves can be used to generate wave power which is a renewable energy. Ocean water is important for salt production and providing habitat for deep water fishes. There are biodiversity of marine species in the sea where nutrient cycles are common. Natural resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by mankind, in a natural form. A natural resource is often characterized by amounts of biodiversity and geodiversity existent in various ecosystems. Natural resources are derived from the environment. Many of them are essential for our survival while others are used for satisfying our wants. Natural resources may be further classified in different ways.

Introduction
Natural resources are materials and components (something that can be used) that can be found within the environment. Every man-made product is composed of natural resources (at its fundamental level). A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, and air, as well as a living organism such as a fish, or it may exist in an alternate form which must be processed to obtain the resource such as metal ores, oil, and most forms of energy. There is much debate worldwide over natural resource allocations, this is partly due to increasing scarcity (depletion of resources) but also because the exportation of natural resources is the basis for many economies (particularly for developed nations such as Australia). Some Natural resources can be found everywhere such as sunlight and air, when this is so the resources is known as an ubiquitous resource. However most resources are not ubiquitous, they only occur in small sporadic areas, these resources are referred to as localized resources. There are very
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few resources that are considered inexhaustible (will not run out in foreseeable future), these are solar radiation, geothermal energy, and air (though access to clean air may not be). The vast majority of resources are however exhaustible, which means they have a finite quantity, and can be depleted if managed improperly.

Classification
There are various methods of categorizing natural resources, these include source of origin, stage of human use, and by their renewability, these classifications are described below. On the basis of origin, resources may be divided into:

Biotic Biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere (living and organic material), such as forests, animals, birds, and fish and the materials that can be obtained from them. Fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed from decayed organic matter.

Abiotic Abiotic resources are those that come from non-living, non-organic material. Examples of abiotic resources include land, fresh water, air and heavy metals including ores such as gold, iron, copper, silver, etc.

Considering their stage of development, natural resources may be referred to in the following ways:

Potential Resources Potential resources are those that exist in a region and may be used in the future. For example, petroleum may exist in many parts of India, having sedimentary rocks but until the time it is actually drilled out and put into use, it remains a potential resource.

Actual Resources Actual resources are those that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined and are being used in present times. The development of an actual resource, such as wood processing depends upon the technology available and the cost involved.

Reserve Resources The part of an actual resource which can be developed profitably in the future is called a reserve resource.

Stock Resources Stock resources are those that have been surveyed but cannot be used by organisms due to lack of technology. For example: hydrogen.

Renewability is a very popular topic and many natural resources can be categorized as either renewable or non-renewable:
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Renewable resources are ones that can be replenished naturally. Some of these resources, like sunlight, air, wind, etc., are continuously available and their quantity is not noticeably affected by human consumption. Though many renewable resources do not have such a rapid recovery rate, these resources are susceptible to depletion by over-use. Resources from a human use perspective are classified as renewable only so long as the rate of replenishment/recovery exceeds that of the rate of consumption.

Non-renewable resources are resources that form extremely slowly and those that do not naturally form in the environment. Minerals are the most common resource included in this category. By the human use perspective resources are non-renewable when their rate of consumption exceeds the rate of replenishment/recovery, a good example of this are fossil fuels which are in this category because their rate of formation is extremely slow (potentially millions of years), which means they are considered non-renewable from a human use perspective. Some resources actually naturally deplete in amount without human interference, the most notable of these are the radio-active elements such as uranium, which naturally decay into heavy metals. Of these, the metallic minerals can be re-used by recycling them. [1] But coal and petroleum cannot be recycled.

Wind is the natural resource that can be used to generate wind power. These 5MW wind turbines on this wind farm 28 km off the coast of Belgium. Conservation of Natural Resources
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At the beginning of the human civilization, the earth was abundant with all those natural resources that are essential for the survival of life. Water, air, greenery, were all aplenty. Then came the discovery of oil and gas, which began to be used for a variety of purposes. Over time, all the natural resources became the root of major inventions; water, oil and gas for electricity and travel, trees for paper and furniture, land for agriculture, development of living spaces, etc. There are many other uses of these natural resources. Because everything was available in abundance, no one ever considered the fact that casual use of these would slowly lead to their depletion, and leave us stranded in a world where we are now so dependent on all our creations. It is a known fact that if we are not careful, the survival of all life forms will become increasingly difficult. Here we try to explain to you, why the conservation of natural resources is so essential, and how to go about the process with some examples of conservation of natural resources.

Importance of Conservation of Natural Resources

There is something called a balance in nature. As we continue to overuse natural resources, a serious imbalance has been caused. Deforestation, depletion of oil and gas, shortage of water and power, soil erosion leading to lack of agricultural growth, are all contributing to environmental issues such as global warming and environmental pollution. Interestingly, it is these environmental issues that are leading to further shortage of natural resources. Simply put, we are trapped in a vicious circle. As mentioned earlier, saving the constant loss of these invaluable resources, or simply, natural resources conservation is essential for survival. Environmentalists have already predicted major shortages and even the complete extinction of natural resources such as oil and gas, if we continue depleting these at the present rate.

Ways of Conserving Natural Resources

Unfortunately, our dependence on these resources has made their conservation an arduous task. Fortunately, it is not a task that is impossible. Take a look at how you can do your bit and contribute to these simple ways to save the environment. Conserving Trees Trees give us the oxygen we breathe, the paper we use, the fruit we eat, the shade we need from the brutal sunlight, and are essential for the survival of wildlife. To save this indispensable natural resource, find out how to go green at home.
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Use only recycled paper products. It takes a lot of trees to make a small amount of paper. You can save these by recycling the paper you use, whether you write on it or print on it.

Avoid using paper unnecessarily. For instance, printing every piece of information is not necessary. Sign up for e-billing and net banking services so that paper bills and bank statements are avoided.

Plant a tree. A lot of environmental agencies are giving away trees for adoption. You can plant a sapling in your name, and watch it grow over the years, as your bit for the environment. Don't limit conservation only to yourself and your home or office. Spread the word, and participate in tree conservation projects that happen in your locality, town or city.

Conserving Water Water is a basic resource for all our activities. We clean with water, we cook with water, and the production of every item of use requires the use of water. Several parts of the world are now facing a water shortage because of the way in which it is being used. Conserving this natural resource is of prime importance for the stability of the environment.

Firstly, if you have any leaky faucets or those that don't work properly, get them fixed. Every drop of water is precious. Use a bucket of water to bathe rather than using the shower. You may not realize how much water you are wasting when you use a shower for a bath. The same goes for dishes. The use of water filled in a sink, or a tub can really help you save large amounts of this natural resource. You may find the method to be slightly old and arduous, but it is something that you must do if you wish to leave behind at least a little of these resources for the coming generations.

Stop dumping things in the seas and rivers and lakes. Not only does marine life get affected, the water becomes polluted and dangerous for use thereafter. Try to harvest rainwater. You can use it to water your garden and plants, and even clean your car. Don't use it for any other purposes and definitely do not drink it. Take a look at some other methods of waste water treatment.

Conserving Energy The prime use of energy comes from oil and gas, which power the vehicles we drive. However, the increasing number of cars and the amount of pollution that is caused as a result, is now becoming
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hazardous and leading to several health problems. Then comes electricity, the generation of which is becoming more and more difficult. To know more about energy saving, follow some of these methods.

Try to avoid using your vehicle as much as possible. If you live close to your work place, choose to walk instead of taking your car. It saves the environment and it's healthy for you too. Wherever and whenever possible, try to use a cycle as a means of transport. This is one of the best ways of conservation of natural resources. Analyze whether every member of your family requires a vehicle. Sometimes one car per family is really enough. The rest are just means of luxury, which at a time like this, cannot be afforded.

Try to use public transport. If a group of people choose this option, it means those many vehicles less on the streets, which means saving some gas, the prices of which are skyrocketing because it is becoming so scarce.

Invest in a hybrid car that uses both electricity, and a small amount of gas to function. Invest in lower energy consuming lights and bulbs. Avoid the use of halogens and other such lights. Also remember to switch off all your electrical appliances when not in use. An interesting point to note is that even when your television, microwave oven, or computer is on standby it consumes electricity. Switch off all of these when you don't need to use them. Turn to solar energy. Nowadays, solar heaters, solar cookers, and a lot of other appliances that function on the energy provided by the sun are available. Investing in these helps save electricity as well as natural gas.

Go for products such as air-conditioners and refrigerators that have energy star ratings. These consume lesser electricity and even reduce your bills, and definitely reduce the effects of global warming that is affecting all life forms.

Natural resources conservation can be done in several other ways too. Simply making an effort to spread the word is a great way of doing your bit for the world you live in. Set an example for others to follow when it comes to the conservation of natural resources that is so fundamental for the survival of mankind in these trying times.

ADVANTAGES
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1. The use of wind turbines does not generate pollution or radioactive waste like most other forms of electricity generation do. Their construction and installation has less environmental impact as well. 2. Wind power may be used to provide electricity to individual homes or other facilities on a selfreliant basis, with no need for fuel or other materials to be supplied. If a natural disaster severs power lines, residents with windmills will not lose their supply of electricity. 3. Wind can also generate power for large numbers of people, using larger turbines connected to an electrical grid. This allows individuals to take advantage of some of their benefits without personally owning or maintaining the equipment. 4. Another one of its advantages is that this type of power generation does not consume any nonrenewable resources, like coal, natural gas, or oil. Thus, it won't contribute to their eventual depletion, nor does it promote environmental harm brought about by obtaining these resources.

DISADVANTAGES
1. Some people consider the turbines to have an undesirable appearance, especially when there are very tall units and/or large groups of them. The same could be said for coal or nuclear power plants, but these are concentrated into a smaller number of facilities. 2. Another of the disadvantages is that they can be damaged in thunderstorms, partially because of their tall, thin shape. The website of the National Lightning Safety Institute indicates that most damage to wind turbines is caused by lightening. This is more of a problem in warmer parts of the world, where they are frequent. 3. The blades of wind turbines can hit birds who attempt to fly between them. However, it should be kept in mind that birds are also affected by the disadvantages of other power generation methods, especially pollution. 4. Some turbines produce noise; according to a white paper issued by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Renewable Energy Research Laboratory, noise varies from one turbine to the next, and is more likely to be problematic when the wind speed is low.

Different Types of Natural Resources

Natural resources are simply the resources that human beings use for their protection, shelter, comfort, etc. Earth is abundant in natural resources, but they should be used judiciously.. Natural resources are resources in the environment that have not been disturbed by mankind. By resource, one refers to any physical entity which has limited availability. These resources occur in their natural form. Few examples of natural resources are:

Air, wind, and atmosphere Plants (Flora) Animals (Fauna) Agronomy (the science of using plants for food, fuel, feed, and fiber) Wildlife
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Forestry and Agroforestry Coal and fossil fuels Range and pasture Soils Water, oceans, lakes, and rivers

Something that people generally aren't aware of is that everything we use in everyday life is derived from natural resources For example, milk, which comes from cows, makes animals a natural resource. Vegetables that come from plants, salt which is a mineral, are some of the other natural resources. Wood that we get from tree is a natural resource. It can be used to build a house, make paper, burn in fireplaces and in stoves for cooking, etc. Man utilizes these resources in various ways. They are processed further so as to be made suitable for our needs. The table below is an example that shows in what way the resources have been utilized: Natural Resources Man-made Products River Petroleum Clams Farmland Hydroelectric power Gasoline Clam chowder Potato chips

Plants Medicines Here are a few natural resources and their uses: Soil

Water

Used for growing crops (only 10% of the Earth's surface). Soil can be used for shelter. Many tribal people all around the world make shelter with the help of soil.

Used for drinking (only 0.0007% of Earth's water is suitable for drinking. The rest is salt water, water trapped in glaciers, or polluted water. Freshwater is used for irrigation of crops. Water bodies such as oceans, lakes, and rivers of the world can be used for transportation.
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Fishing is a valuable source of food that is provided by water. Water in rivers is being used to generate hydro-electricity.

Minerals Minerals can be defined as naturally occurring substances obtained from the ground. Some examples are coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, etc. They are also absorbed by plants from the Earth's surface, and are transferred to humans through food.

They (coal, natural gas, and fossil fuels) are a source of energy. Used as ingredients to make other materials like iron ore, minerals are also used to make steel, and petroleum which is used to make a variety of products like gasoline, plastics, etc. Can be used in natural form like salt.

Vegetation

Land is used for farming from which vegetables and fruits are grown. Wood from trees is cut and processed to make furniture for home. Wood is used for cooking and also as fuel to produce heat for warmth. Clothing - clothes are made from cotton. Plants are used as an ingredient in medicines.

Animals

Animals are used as food, and their waste is used as fertilizers for crops. We get fur and hides from animals which are used for making clothes. Used for transportation.

Natural resources can further be defined as renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources are those that can be produced again, for example, plants and animals, whereas, nonrenewable resources are those which cannot be produced again, for example, fossil fuels. We need to make serious attempts to use natural resources in an efficient manner because in recent

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years, natural resources have depleted as a result of their careless use. The seriousness of the problem can be understood from the words of forme

Depletion
The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem, it will avail us little to solve all others. Theodore Roosevelt In recent years, the depletion of natural resources has become a major focus of governments and organizations such as the United Nations (UN). This is evident in the UNs Agenda 21 Section Two which outlines the necessary steps to be taken by countries to sustain their natural resources. [4] The depletion of natural resources is considered to be a sustainable development issue. [5] The term sustainable development has many interpretations, most notably the Brundtland Commissions to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs[6], however in broad terms it is balancing the needs of the planets people and species now and in the future.[4] In regards to natural resources, depletion is of concern for sustainable development as it has the ability to degrade current environments[7] and potential to impact the needs of future generations[5]. Depletion of Natural Resources is associated with social inequity. Considering most biodiversity are located in developing countries[8], depletion of this resource could result in losses of ecosystem services for these countries[9]. Some view this depletion as a major source of social unrest and conflicts in developing nations[10]. At present, with it being the year of the forest[11], there is particular concern for rainforest regions which hold most of the Earth's biodiversity[11]. According to Nelson[12] deforestation and degradation affect 8.5% of the worlds forests with 30% of the Earths surface already cropped. If we consider that 80% of people rely on medicines obtained from plants and of the worlds prescription medicines have ingredients taken from plants[9], loss of the worlds rainforests could result in a loss of finding more potential life saving medicines[13]. The depletion of natural resources is caused by direct drivers of change[12] such as Mining, petroleum extraction, fishing and forestry as well as indirect drivers of change such as demography, economy, society, politics and technology[12]. The current practice of Agriculture is another factor causing depletion of natural resources. For example the depletion of nutrients in the soil due to
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excessive use of nitrogen[12] and desertification[4] The depletion of natural resources is a continuing concern for society. This is seen in the cited quote given by Theodore Roosevelt, a well-known conservationist and former United States president, was opposed to unregulated natural resource extraction. Protection In 1982 the UN developed the World Charter for Nature in which it recognised the need to protect nature from further depletion due to human activity. They state the measures needed to be taken at all societal levels, from international right down to individual, to protect nature. They outline the need for sustainable use of natural resources and suggest that the protection of resources should be incorporated into the law system at state and international level. [14]. To look at the importance of protecting natural resources further. The World Ethic of Sustainability, developed by the IUCN, WWF and the UNEP in 1990[15] which set out eight values for sustainability, include the need to protect natural resources from depletion. Since these documents, there have been many measures taken to protect natural resources, some of these ways include Conservation biology and Habitat Conservation. Conservation biology is the scientific study of the nature and status of Earth's biodiversity with the aim of protecting species, their habitats, and ecosystems from excessive rates of extinction.[16][17] It is an interdisciplinary subject drawing on sciences, economics, and the practice of natural resource management.[18][19][20][21] The term conservation biology was introduced as the title of a conference held University of California at San Diego in La Jolla, California in 1978 organized by biologists Bruce Wilcox and Michael Soul. Management Natural resource management is a discipline in the management of natural resources such as land, water, soil, plants and animals, with a particular focus on how management affects the quality of life for both present and future generations. Management of natural resources involves identifying who has the right to use the resources and who does not for defining the boundaries of the resource[23]. The resources are managed by the users according to the rules governing of when and how the resource is used depending on local condition[24]. A successful management of natural resources should engage the community because of the nature of the shared resources the individuals who are affected by the rules can participate in setting or
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changing them[23]. The users have the rights to device their own management institutions and plans under the recognition by the government. The right to resources includes land, water, fisheries and pastoral rights[24]. The users or parties accountable to the users have to actively monitor and ensure the utilisation of the resource compliance with the rules and to impose penalty on those peoples who violates the rules[23]. These conflicts are resolved in a quick and low cost manner by the local institution according to the seriousness and context of the offence[24].

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