Importance of conservation of natural resources

Project Abstract

Natural resources are essential for the survival and well-being of all living organisms on Earth. The conservation of these resources has become a critical global issue due to the increasing human population and the rapid rate of resource depletion. This research explores the importance of conservation of natural resources in terms of environmental sustainability, economic stability, and social well-being. The conservation of natural resources is fundamental for maintaining ecological balance and preserving biodiversity. Many of the Earth's resources are finite and non-renewable, such as fossil fuels and minerals, making it imperative to manage them wisely to ensure their availability for future generations. Additionally, the conservation of habitats and ecosystems is crucial for the survival of countless plant and animal species and for maintaining the delicate balance of the natural world. From an economic perspective, natural resources play a significant role in driving global economies. Industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and fisheries heavily rely on natural resources for production. By conserving these resources, we can ensure the sustainability of these industries in the long term. Moreover, eco-tourism and other nature-based activities contribute significantly to many local economies, emphasizing the economic value of preserving natural resources. Furthermore, the conservation of natural resources is closely linked to social well-being and quality of life. Access to clean water, fresh air, and nutritious food is essential for human health and development. By protecting natural resources such as water bodies, forests, and agricultural land, we can safeguard the health and livelihoods of communities around the world. Additionally, natural spaces provide recreational opportunities and contribute to mental and physical well-being, highlighting the importance of preserving these resources for future generations. In conclusion, the conservation of natural resources is crucial for environmental sustainability, economic stability, and social well-being. Through responsible management and sustainable practices, we can ensure the availability of resources for future generations while protecting the delicate balance of the natural world. It is imperative for governments, industries, and individuals to work together to prioritize the conservation of natural resources and promote a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Project Overview

<p> </p><p><b>INTRODUCTION</b></p><p><b>1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY</b></p><p>Natural<br>resources include the whole earth’s natural environment. A resource is anything<br>that meets or satisfies human need or want of civilization. Early societies<br>used wood rather easily taxed the extent of the earth’s resources turning to a<br>new one to fill their needs when the old were used up. The renewable resources<br>are fossils fuels, minerals etc. Man has been using these natural resources<br>increasingly over the years to provide him with food, materials, and energy.<br>The end result of this is the dangers of depletion of the non-renewable<br>resources.</p><p>Renewable<br>resources been used up faster than they are formed resulting in the pollution<br>of the environment. If our existence on this planet is to continue, we have to<br>conserve our natural resources (Ramalingan, et al, 1979). The term conservation<br>came from two Latin word “Con” meaning together while “servare” means to keep<br>or guard. Therefore, conservation literally means to keep together. Today, we<br>think of conservation as using our natural resources wisely rather than keeping<br>together in a status quo-situation. According to Ramalingua, et al (1979) to<br>conserve something means to protect it and keep it in a healthy condition. In<br>the present context conversation implies ensuring a high quality life for human<br>by the wise use and management of natural environment. This definition has a<br>broad scope, it thought about the protection of nature that is forest, soil,<br>wild life etc to enrich our lives, the controlled and planned, production of<br>useful materials, from the living environment such as crops, fisheries. The<br>controlled use of possible idea is a corporate concept, if manipulation and<br>decision making in regards to our natural resources but we must first know what<br>our natural resources are and what part they play in the ecosystem. Aido<br>Leopard (1979) a notable conservationist, pointed out that people must<br>understand ecological process to practice conservation. The main purpose of<br>conservation is to maintain a healthy6, functioning biosphere (part of the<br>earth were there are living things) that will also provide us with our needs,<br>including reservation of activities.</p><p><b>1.2<br>STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEMS &nbsp; &nbsp; </b></p><p>The<br>study examines the essence and importance of the environment and its resources.<br>It is unfortunate that many people do not know the importance of the<br>environment to mankind and it determines the existence of man and other living<br>organisms. The reasons for the decrease in conservation of natural resources<br>are many. They include:</p><p>1. Inadequate<br>education, about the danger of pollution.</p><p>2. The<br>improper waste disposal</p><p>3. Poor<br>wastes management</p><p>4. Poor<br>ventilation</p><p>5. Improper<br>handling of crude oil which leads to water pollution</p><p>6. Indiscriminate<br>bush burning</p><p>7. Illegal<br>timber felling</p><p>Nature<br>provides us the basic needs like food, shelter, clothes, etc. for our survival.<br>We use air, water, soil, minerals, coal, petroleum, animals, plants etc. in our<br>daily life. But do you ever think, how long these precious materials of the<br>nature will be available for our use. The growing population, rapid<br>industrialization and urbanization have created heavy demand on all these<br>materials. It is feared that unless proper steps are taken to conserve them in<br>time, we will face tremendous hardship in future.</p><p><b>1.3<br>PURPOSE OF THE STUDY </b></p><p>The<br>purpose of this research study is to create awareness in people on the essence<br>and importance of the environment. Definitely people should adopt the best<br>method of exploring the environment and care for nature and there are many<br>benefits derived when our environment is conserved.</p><p>1. Preservation<br>of natural forest</p><p>2. Preserving<br>the beauty of life</p><p>3. Wildlife<br>presentation</p><p>4. Improvement<br>of quality of life &nbsp; </p><p>5. Improves<br>our revenue</p><p><b>1.4<br>RESEARCH QUESTIONS</b></p><p>In this course of study, the following research<br>questions are posed, if the nature resources are covered.</p><p>1. Are natural resources useful to mankind?</p><p>2. Does the conservation of natural resource encourage<br>wildlife continuity?</p><p>3. Does conservation preserve the beauty of nature?</p><p>4. Does a healthy environment improve our quality of<br>life?</p><p>5. Does conservation ensure continuous sources of<br>minerals for energy and foreign exchange? &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </p><p><b>1.5<br>SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>This<br>project work is designed especially to provide people particularly arose in<br>Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo state with basic or fundamental<br>knowledge of conservation of nature resources. Information gathered from this<br>project work if available to those people in their various places, will go a<br>long way in solving the problem of conservation which include the nature<br>resources. A comprehensive analysis and description of the essence of<br>environment and its resources as provided in this project work will go a long<br>way to inspire and educate the researcher may and other researcher who may want<br>to carry out further research into this topic. Information available in<br>this project work will add to the pool of already existing ideas to be used in<br>planning developing not only biology department, Ekiadolor, Benin but also the<br>nation at large.</p><p><b>1.6<br>SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY </b></p><p>The<br>researcher has limited the scope of this study to Udo, Iguobazuwa, Iguelahor<br>College, Nikorogba, Okomu Oil in Ovia South West Local Government. The scope is<br>limited to farmers in rural areas and also to a few students who are into<br>research especially those in Biology Department of College of Education,<br>Ekiadolor, Benin. Also to timber fellers who always have influence in the<br>forest and finally the industrialist.</p><p>However<br>the research has some constraints which are;</p><p><b>Time</b>: the time at the<br>disposal of the researcher which is allocated for the study was a major<br>limitation as the researcher has to combine other academic work with the study.</p><p><b>Finance:</b><br>The finance at the disposal of the researcher in the course of the study does<br>not allow for wider coverage as resources are very limited as the researcher<br>has other academic bills</p><p><b>1.7<br>DEFINITION OF TERMS</b></p><p>For<br>the purpose of clarification, the following terms which are used in the content<br>of the study are hereby defined.</p><p><b>Eco-System</b>:<br>Is the sum total of the biotic and abiotic components interacting in the<br>environment.</p><p><b>Endangered<br>species</b>: Are wildlife species (animals) which are useful to man<br>and for entertainment but are being endangered. They are being protected from<br>extinction e.g. stripped hydrias, giraffe, whales, kites, sparrow, hawks etc.</p><p><b>Extinction</b>:<br>Is when animal’s species reptiles, birds and mammals have been hunted or killed<br>by man which makes them go into extinction.</p><p><b>Non-Renewable<br>Resources</b>: Are those resources which cannot be replaced when the<br>initial stock is used up examples are petroleum, coal, gold etc.</p><p><b>Renewable<br>Resources</b>: Are those resources which can be replaced when the<br>initial stock are used up.</p><p><b>Pollution</b>:<br>Is the release or discharge of waste substance or energy into the environment<br>by man in quantities which are harmful to him or to other things or which in<br>some ways reduce the quality of human life.</p><p><b>1.8 ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDY</b></p><p>This<br>research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as<br>follows. Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the<br>(background of the study), statement of the problem, objectives of the study,<br>research questions, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope of<br>the study etc. Chapter two being the review of the related literature presents<br>the theoretical framework, conceptual framework and other areas concerning the<br>subject matter. Chapter three is a research methodology covers deals on the<br>research design and methods adopted in the study. Chapter four concentrate on<br>the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding. Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations<br>made of the study.</p> <br><p></p>