Resources and Resource Development

Definition of Resources

• Resources are everything available in our environment that can be used to satisfy human needs, provided they are:
  • Technologically accessible
  • Economically feasible
  • Culturally acceptable
• Resources result from the transformation of materials in our environment through human interaction with nature, technology, and institutions.
• Resources are not free gifts of nature; they are a function of human activities, where human beings are essential components.

Classification of Resources

1. By Origin:
   • Biotic
   • Abiotic
2. By Exhaustibility:
   • Renewable
   • Non-renewable
3. By Ownership:
   • Individual
   • Community
   • National
   • International
4. By Status of Development:
   • Potential
   • Developed
   • Stock
   • Reserves

Development of Resources

• Resources are vital for human survival and quality of life.
• Problems from resource misuse include:
  • Depletion due to greed
  • Accumulation in few hands, creating societal divisions
  • Global ecological crises: global warming, ozone depletion, pollution, and land degradation
• Equitable distribution is essential for sustained quality and global peace.
• Resource planning is crucial for sustainable existence, aligning with sustainable development.

Sustainable Development

• Development should not damage the environment or compromise future needs.

Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit, 1992

• Addressed global environmental protection and socio-economic development.
• Signed the Declaration on Global Climatic Change and Biological Diversity.
• Endorsed global Forest Principles and adopted Agenda 21.

Agenda 21

• Aims at achieving global sustainable development.
• Promotes combating environmental damage, poverty, and disease through global cooperation.

Resource Planning

• Essential for judicious resource use, especially in diverse countries like India.
• Involves:
  1. Identification and inventory of resources.
  2. Planning structure with appropriate technology and institutions.
  3. Matching resource development plans with national plans.
• Resource-rich areas can be economically backward without proper development.

Conservation of Resources

• Irrational consumption leads to socio-economic and environmental problems.
• Historical advocacy for resource conservation by leaders and institutions.

Land Utilization

• Land use includes:
  1. Forests
  2. Non-agricultural uses
  3. Other uncultivated lands
  4. Fallow lands
  5. Net sown area
• Influenced by physical and human factors.

Land Resources and Degradation

• Land is a finite resource vital for various activities.
• Continuous use leads to degradation; human activities exacerbate it.
• Conservation measures include afforestation, proper grazing management, and treatment of industrial waste.

Soil as a Resource

• Important renewable natural resource supporting plant growth and life.
• Formation influenced by relief, climate, vegetation, and time.

Classification of Soils

1. Alluvial Soils: Fertile, found in northern plains and deltas.
2. Black Soils: Found in Deccan trap regions, ideal for cotton.
3. Red and Yellow Soils: Found in eastern and southern Deccan.
4. Laterite Soils: Result from leaching, found in tropical regions.
5. Arid Soils: Sandy, saline, found in dry areas.
6. Forest Soils: Found in hilly regions, varying texture.

Soil Erosion and Conservation

• Balance between soil formation and erosion is disturbed by human activities.
• Soil conservation techniques include contour ploughing, terrace farming, and strip cropping.

Exercises

• Questions on land degradation causes, terrace cultivation, and soil types.

Projects/Activities

• Conduct local projects on resource consumption and conservation.
• Discuss resource conservation methods in schools.

Important Figures

• Figures illustrating interdependent relationships, resource classification, soil types, and land use patterns.