Theory question 104
Conservation of Natural Resources(a) What is conservation of natural resources?
(b) List various natural resources that need to be conserved. State briefly the benefits of conservation in each case.
(c) List the problems often encountered in ensuring conservation of natural resources.
(d) What are the efforts being employed in your country to ensure conservation of natural resources?
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(a) The planned management and wise use of natural resources so that they last and continue to be available for future generations
(b) Soil – sustained crop production; water – drinking, irrigation, fisheries; forests – timber, habitat, prevents erosion, regulates climate; wildlife – tourism, food, genetic resources, ecological balance; minerals/fossil fuels – energy and raw materials for industry; air – clean air for health
(c) Ignorance/lack of public awareness; poverty and population pressure; poaching and illegal felling; bush burning; weak enforcement of laws; shortage of funds and trained staff; corruption
(d) Game reserves and national parks (e.g. Yankari, Kainji Lake); forest reserves and afforestation; laws against poaching and bush burning; public education; agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Environment/FEPA; erosion control and soil conservation schemes
Pair each resource with one clear benefit of conserving it.