Economics: Environment and Natural Resource Management

Environment and Natural Resource Management for Sustainable Development

The environment is natural, it is known as all aspect of the surroundings comprising living and non-living things. It refers to the condition, circumstances and the surroundings of an organism or group of organism. There are two aspects of the environment: artificial environment and natural environment. An artificial environment is made by human as their needs and wants likewise social, economic, religious, political, commercial infrastructure. Natural resources are the gift of nature which are free like air, light, water, land, etc. The concept of natural resources management adopts the theory of carrying capacity of the natural eco-system.

Natural resource management includes the following concepts:

• Land and Soil Management

It suggests using an organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer in order to prevent soil pollution. It helps in maximizing the productivity of the soil.

• Forest Management

It includes deforestation, and illegal trading of forest products including timber, animals and their parts, rare and endangered animals and plants.

• Water Resources Management

It consists of industrial waste management to protect the water resources and minimize the uses of chemicals and synthetic substances by increasing public awareness.

• Mineral Resource Management

It searches for alternative energy sources and renewable natural resources. In includes exploration and exploitation of minerals resources without deteriorating the environment.

Causes of Environmental Degradation in Nepal

Environmental Pollution is the serious problem in the developing country like Nepal. Some of the reasons are explained below:

1. Rapid Population Growth
   As the size of population increases, needs and wants increases itself. To meet these requirements they may use natural resources which cause environmental pollution.
   
   
2. Growing Deforestation
   Forest resources are the easy method to fulfill human wants. They can sell timber, herbal and firewood. Because of these reasons landslides, flood and natural rain has become common.
   
   
3. Inadequate Public Awareness
   In rural areas, there are still uneducated people who are unknown about the advantages of resources. Therefore, they use the resources in their own way which is harming the environment.
   
   
4. Unscientific Government Policy
   The environment policy of HMG/Nepal is totally ineffective. The government is a failure in controlling vehicle pollution in city area which is increasing air and water pollution.
   
   
5. Lack of Resources Reutilization
   Any plan and policies and not invented for the reuse of waste material like polluted water, plastic materials and bags and papers.
   
   
6. Unscientific Urban Growth
   The urban regions of Nepal are not developed yet. There is a lack of coordination among the government organizations on a construction of basic infrastructures.
   
   
7. Migration
   Migration has been a great problem for the environment as the migration from hills and mountain to the Terai is rapid.
   
   
8. Argo-based Economy
   Most of the Nepalese are involved in the agriculture sector. They have to depend on forest-based resources to carry out agricultural activities.
   
   
9. Uses of Chemicals
   Uses of chemicals have been defecting environment very badly. Uneducated farmers do not dispose of the residual chemicals properly due to which many creature and vegetation have disappeared from the earth.

Consequences of Environmental Mismanagement

The major consequences of environmental mismanagement are explained below:

1. Air Pollution
   Air pollution is mostly found in urban areas. Vehicles and industries have risen the air pollution which has resulted in air-borne diseases like hypertension, lungs problem and high blood pressure.
   
   
2. Soil Pollution
   Uses of the chemical have risen soil erosion rapidly. It has increased acidity in the soil, reduce fertility and accelerated the process of deforestation in the country.
   
   
3. Water Pollution
   Water resources are being polluted due to the negligence, mix-up of industrial wastage and drainage with drinking water.
   
   
4. Noise Pollution
   Means of transportation is the major problem of noise pollution. It has adversely affected the lives of people.
   
   
5. Global Warming
   Due to global warming, atmospheric change is occurring in the world. The human lives have been affected tremendously and eco-system has deteriorated.