NATURAL RESOURCES:

Definition of a Resource

The elements of nature are not resources until people have found a value for them. According to Zimmerman therefore, an element in nature is a neutral stuff until there has been found a value and the technical skills to extract it from nature.

Resources thus presuppose that:

Ÿ Some one has appraised the usefulness of the natural element for the purpose of obtaining some satisfaction.

Ÿ It is human ability and need that create resource values and hence resources and not the mere physical presence of the materials.

Ÿ The earth’s materials we use as resources have some utility or satisfaction to people.

Resource Availability

Resources are human-centered and dynamic, their availability and scarcity in a society depend upon several factors including:

a) Cultural factors (taste, diet, festivities) that prompts demand

b) The people’s view of nature (as spirits of resources to be exploited)

c) Social Change such as the changing role of women

d) Scarcity of natural resources (i.e., oil)

e) Technology

f) Economic factors – price, market, demand, supply

Classification of Resources

a) Perpetual Resources (i.e., air, sunlight etc)

b) Renewable or Flow resources (forest, fish, etc)

c) Nonrenewable or Stock resources (minerals such as diamonds, gold etc).

d) Potential Resources (sea bed)

Perspectives on Resource Exploitation

a) Exploitation Approach:

Resources serve as instruments for those who seek to satisfy their needs and preferences. A given resource is used as intensively as possible to provide the greatest satisfaction to the user. Little attention is given to environmental damage.

b) Preservation Approach

This approach suggests that resources should not be used but set aside, preserved and protected for future use.

c) The ecological approach:

Explains that all living organisms including humankind, are closely interrelated with their environment and must therefore be managed as well. Embraces the concept of multiple uses.

d) Stewardship Approach:

Argues that people have a moral duty to protect species rather than destroy them. They suggest that as custodians of species on the earth, people must manage resources carefully so they are not destroyed.