Conservation of Natural Resources

• Definition; Conservation refers to the wise use, management, and protection of natural resources to ensure their availability for present and future generations without causing environmental degradation.
• UNEP Definition (1980): “Conservation is the management of human use of the biosphere so that it may yield the greatest sustainable benefit to present generations while maintaining its potential to meet the needs and aspirations of future generations.”

🔹 Need for Conservation

• Rapid depletion of natural resources due to industrialization and population growth.
• Environmental degradation – soil erosion, deforestation, pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
• Climate change – unsustainable use intensifies global warming.
• Economic sustainability – many industries depend on renewable and non-renewable resources.
• Inter-generational equity – resources must be preserved for future generations.

Fact: India’s per capita availability of land is only 0.12 ha, compared to the world average of 0.29 ha — highlighting the urgency of conservation.

Types of Conservation

1. In-situ Conservation (On-site)

Conserving species in their natural habitats.

Examples:

• Biosphere reserves
• National parks
• Wildlife sanctuaries
• Sacred groves

Advantages:

• Maintains natural ecosystem balance.
• Supports evolutionary processes.
• Protects entire ecosystems, not just individual species.

2. Ex-situ Conservation (Off-site)

Protecting species outside their natural habitat.

Examples:

• Zoos, botanical gardens
• Seed banks and gene banks
• Tissue culture and cryopreservation

Important Institutions:

• National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi
• National Gene Bank, Delhi
• Botanical Survey of India (BSI)
• Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

Conservation of Major Natural Resources

1. Soil Conservation

Soil is a non-renewable resource formed over thousands of years. Conservation ensures prevention of erosion and degradation.

Methods:

• Contour ploughing
• Strip cropping
• Terracing and bunding
• Afforestation
• Crop rotation and mulching
• Use of organic manure to restore fertility

Fact: Around 29% of India’s total land area is degraded (ICAR, 2022).

2. Water Conservation

Water conservation means careful and efficient use of water resources to ensure sustainability.

Methods:

• Rainwater harvesting
• Drip and sprinkler irrigation
• Reuse and recycling of water
• Groundwater recharge structures
• Watershed management

Key Programme:

• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (2019)
• National Water Mission (NWM) under NAPCC

Fact: Per capita water availability in India has fallen from 1,816 m³ in 2001 to 1,486 m³ in 2021 — indicating water stress.

3. Forest Conservation

Forests are vital for carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and climate regulation.

Methods:

• Afforestation and reforestation
• Social forestry and agroforestry
• Forest protection laws (Forest Conservation Act, 1980)
• Joint Forest Management (JFM)

Government Schemes:

• National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
• Green India Mission (2010)
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA)

Fact: India’s total forest and tree cover is 24.62% of its geographical area (FSI 2023).

4. Wildlife Conservation

Conservation of fauna ensures ecological balance and genetic diversity.

Methods:

• Establishment of Protected Areas:
  • 108 National Parks
  • 564 Wildlife Sanctuaries
  • 18 Biosphere Reserves
• Wildlife Protection Act (1972)
• Project Tiger (1973), Project Elephant (1992)

India is home to 8% of the world’s biodiversity and ranks 10th globally in terms of plant diversity.

5. Energy Conservation

Involves efficient use and promotion of renewable energy sources.

Methods:

• Energy-efficient appliances
• Use of solar, wind, biogas, and hydro energy
• Public awareness campaigns

Schemes:

• National Solar Mission (2010)
• Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme under Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

Fact: India targets 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

6. Mineral Conservation

Minerals are non-renewable and must be extracted sustainably.

Methods:

• Efficient mining technologies
• Recycling of metals
• Reuse and substitution
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for mining projects

Policy:

• National Mineral Policy, 2019 – promotes sustainable mining and environmental protection.

Conservation Strategies in India

Role of Government and Policies

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC): Nodal agency for environmental conservation.
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), 2003: Regulates access to biological resources.
• Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer areas around protected sites to minimize human interference.
• National Environment Policy (2006): Emphasizes sustainable development and livelihood security.

Public Participation in Conservation

• Environmental education – awareness through schools and media.
• NGO involvement – WWF India, CSE, TERI, Greenpeace India.
• Community initiatives – people’s movements for afforestation and watershed development.
• Individual actions – tree planting, reducing waste, and using public transport.

“Think globally, act locally” is the guiding principle for community-based conservation.

Global Conservation Efforts

Key Facts for Competitive Exams