8.Explain the concept of sustainable development and its importance for the conservation of natural resources.

Human activities have been altering the natural environment to such an extent that few natural ecosystems remain unaffected. Natural resources are subject to depletion, and environmental conditions are subject to undesirable changes. There are threatening the diversity of organisms and the quality of human life.

Conservation can be broadly described as the wise management of our environment. It involves the protection of natural habitats, maintenance of the diversity of organisms, effective use of natural resources and control of pollution.

Sustainable development refers to the way of development which meets the present needs without compromising the needs for good quality of life in our future generations. To activities, which include agriculture, industrialization and urbanization. Sustainable development involves the implementation of the following:

1. Compact development

To meets the needs of the growing human population, residential places should grow upwards rather than outwards. This results in an increase in population density and spaces are saved for other purposes. This also allows energy to be utilized more efficiently, such as the use of mass transport instead of private vehicles.

2. Conservation of natural habitats and preservation of biodiversity

Wetlands, meadows, marshes and mangroves are sources of beauty. They provide habitats for wildlife, keep air fresh, remove pollutants and provide flood control. The protection of these habitats is important to the maintenance of biodiversity. In fact, the conflicts between development and environmental protection are challenging most governments.

3. Cautious development plans

Some natural areas should be protected, otherwise serious pollution problems will be resulted. For example, urban development should be avoided in valleys. It is because the topsoil in valleys is fertile and suitable for agricultural uses and it is vulnerable to erosion. Therefore, cautious developmental planning can help to protect the environment.

4. Plantation

Plantation can improve air quality, moderate the climate, stabilize the soil, and restore degrading lands. Trees also provide habitats for wildlife. The natural resources of timber can also be generated for our future use.

5. Conservation of water

Thrifty use of water and effective measures to prevent the contamination of fresh water are important for the conservation of limited water resources.

6. Reduction in the use of motor vehicles

Motor vehicles consume a lot of energy. The exhaust gases contain a large quantity of air pollutants. Further, a considerable amount of lands have to be used for parking. Reduction in the number of motor vehicles can reduce the problem of air pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and land use in urbanization.

7. Recycling of wastes

Recycling of wastes helps to reduce the consumption of natural resources. For example, paper and aluminium can be recycled for further uses. Domestic refuse can also be used to generate power in power stations.