The term “environment” refers to the sum total of all physical, chemical, biological, and social variables that surround a person. Each element in the environment provides resources on which human people rely in order to establish a better economic and social system.

As a result, a resource can be described as any aspect of the environment that humans use to improve their well-being, such as land, water, air, mineral, forest, wildlife, fish, population, and so on. In other terms, resources refer to all means of meeting human requirements at a given moment and location.

A resource, according to Ramade (1984), is a kind of energy and/or matter that is required for the survival of species, populations, and ecosystems. Natural resources are the sum total of ecological factors such as energy, matter, space, time, and diversity.

Some resources are necessary for the life of all living organisms, such as air, soil, water, plants, and animals, while others, such as minerals and fossil fuels, are highly valued by man to meet his material requirements and aspirations. Land, water, air, minerals, forests, wildlife, and humans are all considered resources.

Classifications of Natural Resources

Natural resources are primarily divided into two categories:

1. Renewable Natural Resources 
2. Non-renewable Natural Resources

Natural resources that can be replenished after usage are known as renewable natural resources. Solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and hydropower are examples of renewable natural resources.

Non-renewable natural resources deplete after a long period of use, and they can take a long time to regenerate. Natural gas is a great example of non-renewable resources. Coal is yet another example of a non-renewable natural resource. Many natural resources, including coal (fossil fuels), are limited, which means they cannot be recycled. Because the majority of these non-renewable natural resources cannot be recycled, it is critical to conserve them. There are a number of natural resources that are in great demand but have limited supply. Water, minerals, and nuclear energy are examples of non-renewable resources.

Importance of Conservation of Natural Resources

Natural resources are essential for human survival, yet not all natural resources are renewable. Natural resources provide us with the food and water we eat, the air we breathe, and the shelter we build, so we must conserve what we have to ensure the planet’s and humanity’s health and longevity.

The importance of natural resources drives the need for conservation. It is mentioned below:

1. Water is a natural resource that can be replenished. It is used for drinking, generating power, irrigation, and a variety of other purposes. It is also used in a variety of enterprises and for a variety of activities. Its scarcity would result in the loss of vegetation, a negative impact on flora and fauna, soil erosion, and other problems.
2. Plants and animals supply a diverse spectrum of biological and industrial resources. It is also used in the production of pharmaceuticals and for a variety of other purposes.
3. The importance of fossil fuels cannot be overstated. Coal, oil, and natural gas are all fossil fuels that create a lot of energy.
4. The forest is the most important natural resource that contributes to economic growth. Paper, furniture, timber, medicine, gum, and other products are all made from trees. It also helps to keep the ecology in check. It also preserves wildlife and reduces soil erosion.
5. Natural vegetation, wildlife, and transportation are all supported by land resources. Food, clothing, housing, and other necessities are also provided by the land.

Steps to Conserve Natural Resources

Various government ministries, as well as national and international organisations, have been trying to conserve natural resources.

1. Environmental education must be provided by incorporating it into school curricula.
2. National Parks are working to ensure that natural resources are protected.
3. Non-renewable resources are reduced, reused, and recycled.
4. Only the most fundamental demands of nonhuman species must be disturbed.
5. More trees must be planted in order to save our forest resources.
6. Alternatives to non-renewable resources are being sought.
7. Bio-gas and bio-fuels will be used more frequently.
8. By preventing the discharge of industrial waste into bodies of water. This is a precautionary approach to conserve the abundant aquatic life.
9. At all costs, overgrazing must be avoided. Animal poaching must also be controlled.
10. Crop rotation procedures aid in the preservation of the soil’s fertility.
11. Carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, is released when fossil fuels are burned. The greenhouse effect is caused by it. As a result, the use of fossil fuels must be limited.

These are some of the steps we can take to protect natural resources. As humans, we have a societal obligation to nature that we must fulfil. As a result, we will adhere to the notion of sustainable development when employing resources.

Conclusion

Natural resources are a gift to the universe. These aid in meeting human needs to the best extent possible. Furthermore, efficient use of natural resources contributes to the preservation of the earth’s atmosphere. Biodiversity is also protected as a result of wise use. Natural resources are so important to humans that they cannot think of their life without them. As a result, its preservation is important.