Introduction: Natural resources are important for the survival and growth of countries and improve the lives of people. They constitute raw materials for industries and promote a balance in nature. The two main categories that make natural resources are biotic and abiotic resources.
The biotic resources come from living organisms, and the abiotic resources come from non-living elements.
Components Of Natural Resources
Properly understanding these two aspects is crucial in efficient management and conservation. This piece will take readers through these two components of natural resources and how they contribute to keeping the ecological balance on the earth.
i) Biotic Resources
Vivoor living organisms are the sources of biotic resources. The same includes plants, animals, and microorganisms. Some of the instances of biotic resources are forests, fisheries, and agricultural crops. The resources on this earth provide us with food, medicine, and raw materials.
The resources being renewable can be replenished when managed accordingly. The depletion of the resources can lead to the reduction of biodiversity besides excessive use of the resources.
The resources can only be renewable if there is sustainable use of them. Biotic resources are at the core of the protection of ecosystems. Ecosystems that biotic resources can help take on a worldwide livelihood and economic level. Clean, efficient management practices can help maintain and prolong their existence.
ii) Abiotic Resources
Abiotic resources are components of natural resources that are non-living. Some of the examples are water, air, minerals, and sunlight. These are the products that are necessary for life. They are applied in sectors such as construction and manufacturing. Many of the abiotic resources differ greatly from the biotic ones in that many do not rejuvenate.
The consumption of non-renewable resources can lead to resource depletion and the spread of pollution. The availability of these resources is based on efficient administration. The governments have to make sure that their distribution is properly regulated by backing up such impermanent sources of energy and depending more on new technologies. Extraordinary conservation and rational usage will ensure that they are there for a long time to come.
Importance of Biotic and Abiotic Resources
Both divisions of natural resources are necessary for ecological equilibrium. Biotic resources play a crucial role in biodiversity and ecosystems. Abiotic resources offer the basis for existence. Both are the main suppliers of food, are industries’ raw materials, and also control the existence of human beings.
The uneven availability of these resources could be disastrous. Climate alterations have an extraordinary effect on both resource types. The concentration of conservation programs is definitely on how to sustain their stability. However, the sustainable approach that lessens the depletion of resources is proven to be effective in resource conservation.
Governments and organizations are the key sources that advocate for policies and awareness. The equilibrium of these resources guarantees the environment and also the economy’s long-term benefits.
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
components of natural resources are divided into biotic and abiotic which are also again renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources interact and restore themselves over time. Typical examples are the forests and fisheries, which are indeed natural. On the other hand, solar energy is a great example of renewable energy resources.
Non-renewable resources are formed in the time range of millions of years. That means that the resources of this type are mostly things like fossil fuels, minerals, and groundwater. Overconsuming of these materials causes the depletion of them. For these reasons, it is better to be our own renewable energy scientist and find new sustainable solutions.
Besides, governments use renewable energy for more than 50% of their country’s energy needs instead of burning fossil fuels, which is no doubt the most hazardous process. By recycling, countries can be less independent of these kinds of resources. Ever so often, the information about responsible consumption pops up on the agenda. In turn, the responsible use of the resources contributes to the development of the earth.
Human Dependence on Natural Resources
Man tapped into both the biotic and abiotic natural resources for daily use. Natural resources comprise the materials necessary for living such as food, shelter, and clothing. Thus, industries look for raw materials which they can make different products with. The key energy sources that humans use for different purposes are coal, oil, and gas.
However, their overconsumption causes environmental destruction and supply shortages. The objective of conservation projects is to decrease the undesired effects on the environment. Development of the environment-friendly agriculture and the utilization of renewable energy are the possible solutions.
For these reasons, governments must come up with specific rules to stop the overexploitation. People can also join the cause by employing eco-friendly measures. The proper disposal of these materials plays a crucial role in maintaining a good personal, and also collectively, a good natural environment.
Conservation and Sustainable Use
Conservation is the main benefit of parts of natural resources that allow them to take a long time to diminish. Sustainable practices result in less waste and require more efficient resource utilization. Afforestation is a good plan for the restoration of deforested forests. Water saving, in this way, will solve scarcity and pollution problems.
Renewable energy is one of the substitutes for the more conventional energy sources, while they have no harm to the environment. Governments contain strict implementation of regulations for sustainable resource management. Organizations ticking off the box on the list of sustainable use of resources is by adopting green technologies. Not only is recycling fun but it makes you a part of the solution by avoiding waste and conserving the available undepleted resources.
Nowadays, conservation/human activities have become a public concern, and to nurture on it Public awareness campaigns are propagated. Sustainable development includes, among other things, the whole complex of interrelated environmental, social, and economic aspects that decide on local resource management and community development necessary for present and future generations.
Challenges In Resource Management
Components of natural resources management is the sphere that encounters the gravest difficulties. Thus, overpopulation is one of the factors of increased demand for resources, which is due to the excessive consumption of products. The main reason for the increasing population in the last 100 years has been the industrial revolution which has led to the fast pace of economic development and led to the generation of a significant amount of wealth that has improved the living standards for most people.
The trees got cut down and the land’s slaughterhouses, which led to the extinction of many indigenous species and altered the previously considered natural landscape. Climate change is blamed much for the depletion of natural resources and the pollution of the environment. The air, water, and soil are equally at their worst in the presence of pollution.
Political issues might be another cause for the absence of a well-organized, well-built system of resource distribution in the nation. With the help of a variety of new devices, we can now make good use of resources that used to be wasted in the environment. The need for cooperation and the goals of resource management remain essential.
To be able to achieve such goals, Policies must balance the goal of increasing economic growth and the aim of reducing degradation and wastefulness. These misplaced human practices threaten the long-term availability of resources/environmental security.
Role of Governments and Organizations
Each government is to a different degree involved in the utilization and control of various resources which are done through the formation of policies. Additionally, ecology is under the protection of laws that mishandle ecosystems and biodiversity.
The international body is mostly responsible for taking care of resources from an international perspective and it gives further support in resource management to make all the countries responsible. Nonprofit conservation organizations work with governments to monitor and implement biodiversity and environmental protection efforts. As for conservation, there is a great boost in restoration due to
Future of Natural Resources
Components of natural resources are crucial to the future sustainability of natural resources. The alternative energy sources will take the place of the fossil fuels. Progress in the field of green technology will enhance performance. Programs to save the planet will be promoted on the international level. Carbon mitigation efforts will safeguard resources.
The major emphasis of policies will be on durability. It is the innovation that will lead to the conservation of resources. To protect the environment, individuals ought to adjust their lifestyles.
The process of installing ethical environmental laws will provide governments with the responsibility to tackle environmental pollution. Education is an important factor in people’s lifestyles. Adopting both strategies will help in the protection of resources for the future.
