Resource and Development - Notes PDF

Resource and Development - Notes Geography Copyright © 2014-2023 TestBook Edu Solutions Pvt. Ltd.: All rights reserved  Download Testbook App Unit Name:-...

Resource and Development - Notes Geography Copyright © 2014-2023 TestBook Edu Solutions Pvt. Ltd.: All rights reserved  Download Testbook App Unit Name:- Resource and Development What Are Resources? Resources are materials, substances, or services that fulfill human needs and wants. They are the essentials that support life, enhance our quality of living, and drive our economies. Resources can be as vast as the oceans or as small as the minerals in our smartphones. They come from the Earth, are developed by humans, or exist as a result of our intelligence and labor. Types of Resources Understanding the different types of resources helps us appreciate their diversity and the role they play in our lives: Natural Resources: Directly derived from nature, these resources form the basis of our existence. They can be living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic), can be renewed or depleted over time, and vary in availability from place to place. Biotic and Abiotic Resources: Biotic resources come from the biosphere, including forests, animals, and all living organisms. Abiotic resources are derived from the non-living parts of the Earth, like air, water, and minerals. Exhaustibility: Renewable resources: These are those which get renewed or replenished quickly. Some of these are unlimited and are not affected by human activities, such as solar and wind energy. Yet careless use of certain renewable resources like water, soil and forest can affect their stock. Water seems to be an unlimited renewable resource. But shortage and drying up of natural water sources is a major problem in many parts of the world today. Non-renewable resources: These are those which have a limited stock. Once the stocks are exhausted it may take thousands of years to be renewed or replenished. Since this period is much more than human life spans, such resources are considered non-renewable. Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are some examples. Ownership and Distribution: National Resources: These are owned and regulated by specific countries within their boundaries. International Resources: These, like certain marine areas, belong to no single nation and require cooperative management. Ubiquitous Resources: These are found everywhere, while Localized Resource Human-made Resources: SUBJECT | Geography 1 of 7  Download Testbook App These are the results of human creativity and innovation. By transforming natural resources, humans have created buildings, machinery, vehicles, and technology. This category showcases human ingenuity and the ability to improve living conditions. Human Resources: The skills, knowledge, and abilities of people are invaluable. Educated and healthy populations are crucial for transforming and utilizing other resources effectively. Development of Resources Resource development involves planning and utilizing resources wisely to meet human needs while ensuring sustainability. Key aspects include: Technology and Innovation: The application of science and technology has vastly increased the efficiency with which we use resources. Technological advancements help in extracting, processing, and converting resources into usable forms. Sustainable Development: This concept emphasizes using resources in a manner that meets our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves careful planning and management to balance economic growth, environmental health, and social well-being. Resource Planning Proper resource planning is essential for balanced development. This process involves: Identification and Inventory: Mapping the availability of resources across different regions to understand their quantity, quality, and distribution. Evaluation: Assessing the potential of these resources for development based on social, economic, and environmental factors. Matching with Development Plans: Aligning resource use with broader national and global development goals to ensure equitable benefits and sustainability. Conservation of Resources As resources are finite and vital for our survival, conservation is imperative. It involves: Efficient Use: Minimizing waste and optimizing the use of resources to ensure they last longer. Recycling and Reusing: Transforming used materials into new products to reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials and decrease waste. Protecting Natural Habitats: Safeguarding ecosystems and biodiversity helps maintain the balance of natural resources. Case Studies in Conservation SUBJECT | Geography 2 of 7  Download Testbook App Water Harvesting in Rajasthan: Traditional methods like building johads (small earthen check dams) have revitalized water-scarce regions, showing how local wisdom can complement modern conservation efforts. Afforestation Efforts: Planting trees in semi-arid and arid regions not only combats desertification but also enhances local climates, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities. Introduction to Natural and Wildlife Resources Natural resources are the foundation of life on Earth, encompassing everything from the air we breathe to the soil under our feet. Wildlife resources include all the animals and plants that live wild in nature, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. This chapter will explore the richness of these resources, their types, distribution, importance, and the urgent need for their conservation. Understanding Natural Resources Natural resources are categorized based on their renewability and origin: Renewable Resources: These are resources that nature replenishes over short periods. Examples include: Water: Essential for all life forms, from drinking to agriculture. Air: The atmosphere provides oxygen for respiration and carbon dioxide for photosynthesis. Solar Energy: Powers the climate system and supports life by providing light and warmth. Biomass: Includes all living or recently living plant and animal material used for energy or as raw materials. Non-Renewable Resources: These take millions of years to form and are depleted with use. They include: Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas, which are primary energy sources but contribute to climate change. Minerals: Metals like iron, copper, and non-metals like phosphates are essential for industry and agriculture. Wildlife Resources: Wildlife encompasses all the flora and fauna that exist in their natural habitats without human domestication. It includes: Fauna: Mammals: Like tigers, elephants, and bears, which are often umbrella species for conservation efforts. Birds: From the common sparrow to exotic peacocks and migratory birds like Siberian cranes. Reptiles and Amphibians: Including endangered species like the Gharial and widespread ones like the Indian bullfrog. Marine Life: Encompasses a variety of fish, mammals (like dolphins), and invertebrates in oceans and freshwater bodies. Flora: SUBJECT | Geography 3 of 7  Download Testbook App Trees: Such as the Banyan and Teak, which are vital for providing oxygen and habitat. Shrubs and Herbs: Which support smaller wildlife and contribute to the understorey of forests. Aquatic Plants: Like lotuses and water lilies, which play roles in aquatic ecosystems. Conservation of Natural and Wildlife Resources The conservation of these resources is essential for maintaining ecological balance and human well-being: Protected Areas: Examples include: National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries: Like the Sundarbans for the Royal Bengal Tiger and the Gir Forest for Asiatic lions. Biosphere Reserves: Such as the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, integrating conservation and sustainable use of resources. Sustainable Practices: Agroforestry and Organic Farming: Reducing the impact on land and promoting biodiversity. Sustainable Fishing and Aquaculture: Ensuring marine populations are not overexploited. Renewable Energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to solar, wind, and hydro to reduce environmental impact. Legislation and Policies: Wildlife Protection Act: To prevent the poaching and illegal trade of endangered species. Forest Conservation Act: Aims to preserve and expand forests through regulated use. Community Involvement: Eco-Tourism: Promotes conservation awareness while providing livelihoods to local communities. Community Forest Management: Involving locals in the management and conservation of forests. Importance of Natural and Wildlife Resources Ecosystem Services: These resources provide vital services such as pollination, decomposition, water filtration, and carbon sequestration, which are indispensable for life. Economic Value: They form the backbone of sectors like agriculture, forestry, tourism, and pharmaceuticals, driving economic growth and providing millions of jobs. Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Many cultures revere certain natural landscapes and wildlife, which are central to their heritage and spiritual beliefs. Scientific and Educational Value: They offer vast opportunities for research and learning, helping us understand ecological processes and develop new technologies. SUBJECT | Geography 4 of 7  Download Testbook App Challenges and Future Directions The challenges facing natural and wildlife resources include habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. To address these: Global Cooperation: International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity play crucial roles. Innovative Conservation Strategies: Using technology like satellite monitoring and genetic research for better management. Public Awareness and Education: Ensuring that every individual understands their role in conservation and acts responsibly. The essential natural resources that sustain life on Earth: land, water, and wildlife. Each plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting human civilization. We'll delve into their characteristics, uses, challenges they face, and the strategies needed for their conservation. Land Resources Land is the foundation of terrestrial ecosystems and human settlements. It supports various functions from agriculture to forestation, industry, and residence. Land is used for different purposes such as agriculture, forestry, mining, building houses, roads and setting up of industries. This is commonly termed as Land use. The use of land is determined by physical factors such as topography, soil, climate, minerals and availability of water. Human factors such as population and technology are also important determinants of land use pattern. Land can also be classified on the basis of ownership as – private land and community land. Private land is owned by individuals whereas, community land is owned by the community for common uses like collection of fodder, fruits, nuts or medicinal herbs. These community lands are also called common property resources. Types and Uses: Agricultural Land: Used for cropping and livestock grazing. It is vital for food production and depends heavily on soil fertility. Forest Land: Provides timber, resins, and fibers, and is crucial for biodiversity conservation. Urban Land: Includes areas occupied by infrastructure and housing. Its management affects urban planning and sustainability. Barren Land: Includes deserts and rocky areas. Though less productive, they have potential for non-agricultural uses like solar energy farms. Challenges: Soil Erosion: Causes loss of topsoil, reducing agricultural productivity and environmental quality. Deforestation: Leads to loss of biodiversity, climate regulation, and watershed protection. SUBJECT | Geography 5 of 7  Download Testbook App Land Degradation: Due to pollution, unsustainable farming, and deforestation, reducing the land's ability to support various life forms. Conservation Measures: Water Resources Water is indispensable for all life forms. It covers about 71% of the Earth’s surface and is distributed across oceans, rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers. Types and Uses: Sustainable Land Management: Practices like crop rotation, contour plowing, and organic farming help maintain soil health. Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees to restore forest cover and improve soil stability. Legal Regulations: Implementing laws that limit overuse and promote land conservation through planning and zoning. Surface Water: Found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. It is used for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Groundwater: Stored in aquifers, it serves as a major drinking water source and is crucial for irrigation. Oceanic Water:Oceanic Water: Although saline and not directly consumable, it's essential for marine life, climate regulation, and as a means of transport. Challenges: Pollution: From industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and urban waste. Overexploitation: Excessive withdrawal of groundwater leading to aquifer depletion. Climate Change: Affects water availability and distribution through altered precipitation patterns and increased evaporation. Conservation Measures: Water-Saving Technologies: Drip irrigation and water-efficient appliances reduce usage. Watershed Management: Protecting and restoring watersheds to improve water quality and supply. International Cooperation: Managing transboundary water resources through treaties and agreements. Wildlife Resources Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated plants, animals, and other organisms. It plays vital roles in maintaining ecological equilibrium, evolutionary processes, and offering aesthetic, economic, and scientific benefits. SUBJECT | Geography 6 of 7  Download Testbook App Types and Significance: Terrestrial Wildlife: Includes forest-dwelling species and those in grasslands and deserts, supporting diverse ecosystems. Aquatic Wildlife: Species in freshwater and marine environments, crucial for maintaining aquatic ecosystems' health. Avian Species: Birds contribute to pollination, seed dispersal, and are indicators of environmental health. Challenges: Habitat Loss: Due to urbanization, agriculture, and deforestation. Poaching and Illegal Trade: Threatens many species with extinction. Climate Change: Alters habitats and food availability, disrupting wildlife populations. Conservation Measures: Protected Areas: National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves safeguard habitats. Species Recovery Programs: Efforts to breed endangered species in captivity and reintroduce them to the wild. Global Agreements: Such as CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) to regulate and prevent illegal wildlife trade. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves safeguard habitats. Species Recovery Programs: Efforts to breed endangered species in captivity and reintroduce them to the wild. SUBJECT | Geography 7 of 7