Resources and Conservation

• Resources are essential for human survival and societal progress, influencing both the environment and the economy.
• Resources are classified into natural resources (renewable and non-renewable) and man-made resources.
• A natural resource is one that exists in nature and is not man-made, including water, air, soil, energy, minerals, and fossil fuels.
• Man-made resources such as buildings, furniture, clothing, cars, and roads are created by humans.
• Natural resources are critical for maintaining ecosystems and must be conserved.
• Man-made resources enhance the quality of life but can negatively impact the environment if not managed sustainably.
• Resource conservation and sustainable practices are necessary for ecological balance and a healthy future.
• Sustainable management is crucial because most natural resources are limited.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Biodiversity comes from "Bio" (life) and "Diversity" (variety) relating to plant and animal life.
• Biodiversity encompasses all organisms, species, and populations on Earth.

Levels/Types of Biodiversity

• Genetic Diversity: Genetic variation within species in an area enables adaptation to environmental changes.
• Species Diversity: Variety in the numbers and types of plants and animals locally, regionally, or globally.
• Species richness refers to the number of species.
• Ecosystem Diversity: The variety of habitats, biological communities, and ecosystems in the biosphere.

Importance of Biodiversity

• Ecological Role: Species capture and store energy, decompose matter, regulate climate, and are part of the water cycle.
• The loss of species can disrupt ecosystems.
• Economic Role: Species provide resources like crops, fish, and medicines that contribute to a country's economic development.
• Scientific Role: Biodiversity aids understanding of the evolution of life and the role of each species in sustaining the ecosystem.

Biodiversity Loss

• Biodiversity loss involves the extinction of species worldwide and the local reduction or loss of species in habitats.
• Biodiversity loss can be either temporary or permanent, depending on whether ecological restoration can reverse environmental degradation.

Main Causes of Biodiversity Loss

• Habitat loss and destruction.
• Pollution and contamination.
• Overexploitation.
• Global climate change.
• Invasive alien species.
• Natural causes like floods and earthquakes.

Effect of Biodiversity Loss

• Unbalanced food chains.
• Reduction in wildlife populations.
• Danger to human life.
• Loss of economic value.
• Loss of genetic information.

Biodiversity Conservation

• Biodiversity conservation includes the protection, preservation, management, and restoration of biodiversity.
• The conservation of biodiversity is for the survival of species and habitats threatened by human activities.
• Securing natural resources for future generations is a goal of biodiversity conservation.

Approaches to Biodiversity Conservation

• In situ: Preserving ecosystems in their natural habitats.
• Examples include Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Biosphere Reserves
• Ex situ: Conserving species outside natural environments.
• Examples include Botanical and Zoological gardens, Sacred plants home gardens, and Seed Banks (including field banks and cryopreservation)

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks in the Philippines

• Specific examples include Bataan National Park, Mount Iglit-Baco National Park, and Mayon Volcano Natural Park, among others.

Biosphere Reserves

• Biosphere reserves serve as learning sites for sustainable development.
• They facilitate interdisciplinary approaches to understand and manage interactions between social and ecological systems, including biodiversity management.

Three Main Zones of Biosphere Reserves

• Core Areas: Strictly protected zones contributing to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species, and genetic variation.
• Buffer Zones: Surround core areas and are used for activities compatible with ecological practices, like scientific research and education.
• Transition Areas: Where communities foster socio-cultural, economically sustainable activities.

Seed Bank

• Seed banks are cooled storages with controlled temperature and humidity for seed preservation.
• Seeds preserved this way remain viable for extended periods.

Cryopreservation

• Cryopreservation freezes biological material (cells, tissues, or organs).
• This allows for extended preservation for transport, storage, and creating sample banks.

Water Resources

• Three-fourths of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% is fresh or drinking water.
• Water is crucial for agriculture and crop development, facilitating photosynthesis for plant energy production.
• Practices like drip irrigation, precision agriculture, and rainwater harvesting are needed for sustainable water use and to improve environmental resilience.

Common Uses of Water in Agriculture

• Irrigation.
• Livestock watering.
• Soil preparation.
• Harvesting and processing.
• Cooling and cleaning.
• Aquaculture.

Importance of Water Conservation in Agriculture

• Farmers can save water, reduce costs, increase yields, and protect the environment by using water-saving technologies.

Water Conservation Techniques in Agriculture

• Drip Irrigation Systems: Delivers water directly to plant roots, reducing evaporation and runoff, using up to 60% less water than traditional methods; prevents soil erosion and decreases weed development.
• Soil Moisture Monitoring: Uses systems to precisely water based on conditions, prevent excessive and insufficient watering, improve crop health, and increase efficiency.
• Rotation and Crop Selection: Conserves water by enhancing soil structure and water retention through rotation.
• It uses drought-resistant crops for lower water consumption.
• Mulching: Minimizes evaporation and increases soil health.
• Systems for Harvesting Rainwater: Rainwater is collected in tanks or reservoirs for irrigation to provide a different water source and decrease strain on water supplies.
• Precision Agriculture Technologies: Uses GPS and data analytics to optimize irrigation and fertilizer application, which reduces waste and improves yields.
• Conservation Tillage: Reduces soil disturbance, which lowers water evaporation and increases retention.
• Agroforestry and Cover Cropping: Incorporates trees and cover crops in agricultural areas to improve soil moisture, reduce erosion, and lessen the need for irrigation.

Practices to Mitigate Water Scarcity

• Promote water conservation.
• Establish water pricing systems.
• Adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
• Preserve and restore natural ecosystems.
• Encourage water reuse and recycling.
• Increase knowledge and awareness.
• Invest in water treatment and desalination technologies.

Soil Health

• Soil health is the soil's capacity to function as a vital, living ecosystem that sustains life.
• The terms "soil health" and "soil quality" are used synonymously.

Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Promoting Soil Health

• Conservation Tillage: Enhances moisture retention and microbial activity.
• Crop Rotation and Diversification: Enhances soil health via biodiversity and nutrient cycling.
• Cover Cropping: Prevents soil erosion and suppresses weeds.
• Precision Agriculture: Uses remote sensing and GPS to optimize resource use.
• Agroforestry and Agroecological Approaches: Mimics natural ecosystems.
• Integrated Nutrient Management: Optimizes nutrient use with organic and chemical fertilizers.

Conclusion

• Sustainable agriculture is crucial for the preservation of resources, safeguarding agricultural productivity, achieving environmental goals, and climate change mitigation.