Conservation and Sustainable Development Looking after our Natural Resources

Resources exploited by humans on a daily basis Natural Resources Resources exploited by humans on a daily basis

Conservation and Sustainable Development Human survival is dependant on the use of natural resources Physical resources – water, minerals, air Biological resources – plants, animals

Environmental Conservation To protect natural environment from destructive impact of humans HOW?

Initially through laws and restrictions

Now by Environmental Management

Environmental Management Allows interaction between people and the natural environment BUT with the least possible damage Must know about ecology of the area To determine impact of interaction Environmental Impact Assessment Assesses the degree of development possible without harming the ecology of an area

CO2 EMMSISIONS MUST BE CONTROLLED

Approaches to doing this? Tradeable permits Polluting businesses buy permits to allow them to pollute up to a certain level If production increases and pollution exceeds the amount on the permit, fines are paid or new permits are purchased Businesses which do not pollute can purchase permits and sell them at a profit So an incentive exists to be efficient (zero pollutant)

OTHER APPROACHES…. Include: TAXES: Eg: businesses who dispose of a lot of waste must pay a tax for every ton of rubbish put in a landfill REGULATIONS: Certain activities may be banned outright eg making it illegal to dispose of waste in a landfill (therefore find other method of disposal)

Sustainable Development Encourages economic growth and development but resources are conserved Allows improvement of human lifestyles without damaging the Earths’ main resources Restricts use of resources to within the “natural carrying capacity of the region”

Why Sustainable Development? World Population is increasing

3.5 billion people are now living in urban areas

Why Sustainable Development? Natural Resources are being exploited

Why Sustainable Development? Destruction of Ecological Processes

Why Sustainable Development? Unspoilt environments can be used as recreation areas

Why Sustainable Development? Many species are threatened with extinction

Conservation Measures Holistic approach Not just “Save the Whale” Rather “Save the Ecosystems” International goal to set aside 10% of land area to parks and nature reserves RSA 5.1% of land area already

Other Conservation Measures                                                                                                    Other Conservation Measures Catch and relocate game to where they originally roamed

Other Conservation Measures                                                                                                    Other Conservation Measures Protect species through quota system and seasons E.g crayfish

Other Conservation Measures                                                                                                    Other Conservation Measures Promote game farming

Other Conservation Measures Education At schools At tertiary institutions Through media