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Natural Resources Conservation
Natural Resource is the main reason for our existence on this planet. Many natural resources are present in the
environment in abundance, some resources can ultimately perish due to increase in population and industrialisation.
It is important to conserve these natural resources by doing our part in saving it for our future generation. The
direct or indirect consumption of natural resources across the globe has led to their rapid depletion. As a result of
this many countries of the world are calling for better means of managing and sustaining these natural resources.
Need to Conserve Our Natural Resources
We need to conserve our natural resources because of the following reasons:
• For our survival.
• To maintain our environmental balance.
• It is an important factor for the economic development of a country.
• It takes millions of years to replenish non-renewable resources.
• Due to increase in population and rapid urbanisation, these resources are getting exhausted at a higher rate.
Brainy Fact
China has the most natural resources estimated to be worth $23 trillion, 90% of which are coal
and rare earth metals.
How To Conserve Our Natural Resources
Natural Resources are consumed by living organisms directly or indirectly for their existence. Conservation of
natural resources helps in maintaining an ecological balance. We can conserve it for our future generations by
protecting it in different ways as discussed below:
Water Conservation
Water is an essential natural resource for the existence of life. Our body is made up of 70% of water. We need water
for agricultural, industrial, household and recreational activities. We can conserve water by using the given measures:
• By doing rainwater harvesting.
• Setting up water treatment plants to reuse the water for irrigation or other purposes.
• Judiciously using water at homes, restaurants, social gatherings and workplaces.
• Growing more vegetation in rain deficient areas to trap rainwater and hold underground water.
• Proper disposal of sewage and industrial wastes, so that it does not contaminate the water bodies around it.
• Building dams and reservoirs.
Soil Conservation
Soil contains important minerals which are used as nutrients for plants. These plants are the basis of food for all
living organisms including man. Soil is also a home of many microorganisms that fix nitrogen and decompose
organic matter. Loss of soil and its fertility can be due to several reasons like land overuse, erosion, salinisation,
and chemical contamination. We can conserve soil by using the given methods:
• Afforestation: Planting more trees on the land with few or no trees is called afforestation. Trees are used to
anchor the soil and reduce the amount of soil erosion undergone by that area. It also helps to offset excess
carbon emitted by industries.
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