The objectives
-Recap the concept of natural resource management
-Reasons for natural resource management
-What constitute proper management of natural resource
-Concepts in natural resource management
-Principles in natural resource management
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Definition
-Natural Resources management refers to a process of decision making whereby natural resources are allocated over space and time to meet certain needs, desires or aspiration of man/ human being in particular society.
-It is about wise use of natural resources. The essence is to minimize the impact of economic development upon people and the ecosystem.
-The need for management arises because of the scarcity of resources
-Each society / country has its own rules and regulations which have to be observed
-Therefore, decision making for natural resources use should abide to the policies and legislations of the society concerned.
-Natural resource managers must decide on the type of technology that is to be used.
-Issues of decision and proper arrangement of natural resources need to be flexible.
-The management of natural resource is a collective action .
Why Natural Resource Management?
-All things we use and consume are obtained from natural resources.
-Increasing demand for natural resources due to increase in population, industrialization and urbanization.
-Make the resources available for present and future generation.
-Ensure the survival of human race.
Why management of natural resource continues
-Preserve different kinds of species (biodiversity).
-Maintain ecological balance for supporting life.
-The overexploitation leads to several critical consequences which put the future plants, animals and human society in a serious risk.
Proper management of natural resources consists of:
-Careful use of resources
-Long term planning on the natural resources
-The exploitation of natural resources should not be for the benefit of a few people.
-Plan for safe disposal of wastes so that no damage is caused to the environment.
Concepts in Natural Resources
-Management: that focuses on utilizing a natural resource while restoring it e.g the soil manuring
-Preservation: An attempt to prevent the use of a natural resource. Aim is to “preserve” or keep it intact as it is or was. It is only used in some areas which are highly degraded. E.g the HADO
Conservation: An attempt to use a natural resource in a way to minimize degradation
-Environment: All of the physical surroundings of a species. Or the sum of living things that surround an organism or group of organism.
Definition of concepts continues…
-Ecology: Study of the complex relationships among living things and their environment
Definition of concepts continues…
Ecosystem: Any partially self-contained environmental and living thing. Or is the ecological unit consisting of biotic factors (living) and abiotic factors (non-living) in a specific area. E.g forest, grassland, aquatic, etc.
Carrying Capacity: The ability of an ecosystem to provide food and shelter for a given population.
Principles of natural resource management
-Socio-ecological principles
-Ecological principles
Socio-ecological principles
-Are found in management of socio-ecological systems
-The aim is to ensure resilience of ecosystem services
To build the capacity of socio-ecological systems to continue providing key ecosystem services that underpin human well-being in the face of unexpected shocks and gradual, ongoing change .
THE END