( Explaining natural resources )

Natural resources are essential to our lives including air, water, sunlight, fossil fuels, and more.
Responsible behavior is crucial to ensure their sustainability. Human exploitation for economic gain has
led to depletion, with some being renewable while others are not.

IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVATION
Conservation of natural resources, particularly biodiversity, is crucial for future
generations to maintain ecosystems and ensure sustainability. Sustainable development theory
advocates for resource use that can be conserved for future generations.

Conservation of natural resources continues to be an urgent global priority, given the numerous
environmental and societal challenges we face today. Several significant and pressing concerns in this
field include:

>> Biodiversity Loss

- Climate change threatens biodiversity, destroying ecosystems and impacting human well-being.

- Farming practices, urbanization, and erosion degrade soil quality.

>> Conservation funding

- Adequate funding is essential for effective natural resource protection.

>> Indigenous Rights

- Involving indigenous communities is vital for sustainable resource management and their rights
protection.

Sustainability demands global cooperation, policy shifts, sustainable actions, and public awareness.

We've covered the types of resources needing conservation, methods, and benefits. Now, let's address
the encountered problems in resource conservation.
1. There may be lack of enough land due to the increasing Population. Rapid population growth poses a
challenge to conservation efforts as available land remains constant.

2. Insufficient funding is a common obstacle in conservation efforts, hindering resource availability and
conservation outcomes.

3. lack of proper public awareness about the importance of conserving natural resources, especially
among local farmers, can lead to actions harmful to wildlife and plants due to ignorance.

4. Weak government or institutional management, including policy, implementation, and overall

attitude, is a significant human-related obstacle to effective natural resource conservation.

Different Kinds of Conservation

• Soil Conservation: The technique of preventing soil erosion and degradation is referred to as soil
conservation. It entails a variety of procedures and approaches for preventing soil erosion and
depletion, hence ensuring soil fertility and long-term productivity.
• Water Conservation: It involves steps to reduce water waste, encourage water recycling, and
maintain water quality. Water conservation is critical for ensuring a long-term supply of clean, safe
drinking water and for protecting aquatic habitats.
• Forest conservation: Forest conservation is the protection, preservation, and long-term management
of forests and woody regions. Its goals include preventing deforestation, preserving biodiversity, and
promoting ethical logging and reforestation methods.
• Wildlife Conservation: The attempt to protect and sustain the Earth's various species of animals and
plants is known as wildlife conservation. To prevent the extinction of endangered species and
increase biodiversity, it includes habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, captive breeding
programs, and public awareness campaigns.

THE EFFECT AND SITUATION OF THIS ISSUE IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines faces a severe biodiversity crisis, with 221 species of fauna and 526 species
threatened as of 2008. Uncontrolled sewage dumping in coastal areas contributes to water
contamination, while lack of pollution controls and erosion have deteriorated land
resources. Mining projects have caused environmental degradation, displacement of
indigenous people, and cultural dislocations. Legal and illegal operations pose threats to
forests and local rivers, with many companies failing to adhere to global standards for
responsible mining.

The main strategy for protecting and conserving biodiversity in the Philippines is the establishment
of an integrated protected area system (IPAS). The IPAS was set up to protect and preserve a
representative sample of all ecosystems and habitat types in the country, as well as their plant and
animal species.

There are several ways to improve conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of natural resources.
Here are a few examples:
1. Education and Awareness
2. Biodiversity Conservation
3. Policy and Governance
(Overall, improving conservation, protection, and rehabilitation of natural resources requires the
combined efforts of individuals, communities, the private sector, and the government.)

The main purpose in our lesson for today is for you to evaluate actual situations in the Philippines
about conservation of natural resources and to suggest mitigating measures for each of them.