UNIT IV
NATURE CONSERVATION
Define NATURE
It is the free gift of god. It includes both biotic
and abiotic components, biotic components like plants, animals, insect, human
being and abiotic components such as soil, water, sunlight etc. “Nurture
Nature saves the Future”
What is CONSERVATION and PRESERVATION?
· CONSERVATION
–It refers to race or method to save the endangered
species of flora and fauna from extinction and use of natural resources in a
sustainable manner.
· PRESERVATION
–The protection of our natural environment (flora
and fauna) through activities that minimize the chemical and physical
deterioration and damages.
Define NATURE CONSERVATION
Nature conservation means utilization of the
natural resources in such a way that least used of resources yielding maximum
benefits, so that we will be able to pass to the hand of our younger
generations.
CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
“A cow will yield milk
and butter for many years but beef only once”. Interpret.
This statement states that resources should be
utilized in a proper manner, so that it can pass down to the hands of our
future generations. In this statement cow refers to resources and taking care
of cow can provides milk and butter for long period of time but if we slaughter
(kill) the cow and take beef, it finishes at once. So, we should use the
natural resources in such a way that the resources available today should also
be available for the future generation.
What is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT?
Sustainable development means utilization of
resources, according to their capacity to replacement, so that their continuous
supply can be ensured in the hand of future generations. OR It is a development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generation to meet their own needs.
The concepts of sustainable development were followed by Bhutanese
people only after the declaration of Paro in 1990.
POLICY MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
1.
Establishment
of National Environment Commission (NEC) in 1989
It is
responsible for the preservation and sustainability of the resources.
2.
Establishment
of Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in 1987
It is a Non-Government
Organization (NGO). It works closely with government and private sectors to
create environment awareness among the people about the importance of
environment and its protection.
3.
Establishment
of Environment Trust Fund (ETF) in 1992
It is responsible for protection and to upgrade the
available resources.
4.
Establishment
of Mining Act in 1995
The activities related to mining cause lots of
disaster and imbalance the eco-relationship, the mining Act was introduced
during 7th Five year plan in order to protect the environment.
ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
Technology plays a very important role in the
resources management:
1.
It provides
scientific knowledge to use and maintain natural resources.
2.
Technical
skills to be used and maintain natural resources whereby least use of resources
yields maximum benefits. By using machines, resources can be modified as per
our requirement, replacement will be easy and resources can be durable.
ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)
It is a formal process used to predict the
environmental consequences (positive and negative) of plan, policies and
programs or projects prior the implementation decision. OR It is programme or
assessment to maintain ecological balance for carrying out the developmental
activities.
The government of Bhutan is following a middle path of development that
attempts to raise the living standard of the people without jeopardy the
nation’s unique and fragile natural environment.
OBJECTIVES OF EIA
1. To identify and describe the elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the developmental activities.
1. To identify and describe the elements of community and environment likely to be affected by the developmental activities.
- To identify any negative impacts on sites of cultural heritage and to propose the measures to mitigate these impacts.
- To identify the damages cause to flora and fauna and natural habitats.
1.
It helps to
evaluate the potential risks.
2.
It helps in
decision making to the project planner.
3.
It helps in
avoiding environmental degradation.
FACTORS THAT HAVE RESULTED IN PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IN
BHUTAN
1.
Land
Topography
As the mountainous
country most of the settlements are located in the river valleys pressuring the
resources in the locality but those in mountain terrain remain intact resulting
in preservation of the environment.
2. Less Population
Bhutan is in a fortunate position as we still have
forest cover in its primary form and low population density of 16 people per
sq.km. People living in square kilometer is relatively low with the estimated
population of 6,34,982 (As per PHCB 2005) with least pressure to environment
which helps in preservation of the environment.
3. The Buddhist Faith (Religion)
The Buddhist faith which stresses respect for all
forms of life (flora and fauna) plays an important role in all aspects of
Bhutanese life and thus, helps in the preservation of natural resources.
4. Traditional Subsistence Farming
Traditional subsistence farmers have developed
environmentally sustainable practices over the centuries and only recently have
come under pressure from changes resulting from the economic growth and
population pressure. It preserves the environment because there is no use of
chemical fertilizers which degraded the soil.
5.
Isolation
The Kingdom of Bhutan remained isolated for longer
period of time and its experience less effect of development and materialism reducing
least pressure to environment.
6. Establishment of different Organization
Royal government of Bhutan (RGoB) framed rules and
Act on environment preservation. Establishment of institutions such as RSPN,
NEC, Environmental Act, Road Act and mining Act etc. helps to preserve our
natural environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN BHUTAN
The developmental activities may lead to the
negative impact on the environment. The following are the important
environmental concerns:
1.
Rapid
growth of population leads to more negative impact on environment (pressure on
natural resources).
2.
Use of
chemical fertilizer in the soil to increase the food production but it degraded
the soil fertility.
3.
Over
grazing of land due to increase in number of livestock.
4.
Over use of
forest resources such as timber for construction, firewood as fuel etc. which
leads to deforestation and soil erosion.
5.
Construction
of roads and bridges due to developmental activities.
6.
Rapid
urbanization and industrialization.
7.
Waste
disposal problem.
8.
Various
types of pollution (land, air, water and noise).
9.
Illegal and
unsustainable wild life exploitation.
- Climate change.
MEASURES TO OVERCOME THESE CONCERNS
1.
By
following the concept of sustainable development.
2. By practicing organic farming and use of green
manure.
3. Rearing of high breeds of livestock such as Jersey,
brown Swiss, mithun etc. also follow the pasture land policy.
4. Sustainable use of forest resources – come up with
reforestation and afforestation.
5. By following the policy of CLEAN BHUTAN – The 4th
Druk Gyalpo advocated behavioral change by minimizing the demand on resources
and maximizing the 6 Rs (Reuse, Recycle, Reduce, Rethink, Recover and
Responsibility).
6. Establishment of the world commission on
environment and development in 1987.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES
1.
Formation
of National Environment Commission in 1989.
2. Establishment of Environment Trust Fund – 1992 collaboration
of WWF and UNDP.
3. Introduction of Bhutan Forest Act in 1969 and
revised Act in 1991.
4. Introduction of Mining Act during 7th
FYP.
5. Jhomolhari snow leopard conservation program.
6. Establishment of RSPN.
7. Establishment of World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
BIO-DIVERSITY
Bio – Living beings and Diversity – Multi – species. The multi – species
/ variety of living being (plants and animals) in the world or in a particular
habitat is called biodiversity.
Bhutan is one of the ecological wonders of the world. Bhutan is rich in
bio-diversity, with its forest cover largely intact.
FOREST RESOURCES
Forest is a natural resources, it is the home for
plants and animals and survival source which provides basic needs to the human
beings.
Ecological Importance of forest
1.
Forest provides
timber, wood, fuel, medicines, fodder etc.
2.
Vital as
watershed – preserving adequate water supply.
3.
Regulation
of global climate / warming and temperature.
4. Production of oxygen.
5. Conservation of soil – important in a fertility of
soil.
6. Habitats to wildlife.
7. Absorption of noise and air pollution.
Preservation / Conservation of Forest Resources (Method)
1.
Reduce the
use of forest products or resources.
2. Create awareness to the general people about the
importance of forest resources.
3. Follow the concept of sustainable development (if
we cut down one tree, replace it by planting two saplings).
4. Prevent forest fire.
5. By maintaining ecosystem equilibrium.
6. Encourage and support rural people to set up
community forest.
WATER RESOURCES
The clear liquid that falls as rain and is in river, seas, oceans and
lakes form, water is the life for all beings.
Importance / uses of Water Resources
1. Use in factories and industries.
2. Use for domestic purpose.
3. Use for respiration for plants.
4. Use for generating hydroelectricity.
Preservation / Conservation of Water Resources (Method)
1.
By not
cutting down the trees.
2. By making different types of irrigation facilities.
3. By cleaning the source of water resources.
4. By planting trees near the source of water
resources.
5. By creating awareness among the people on
importance of water resources.
6. Prevent water pollution from solid and liquid
waste.
7. Follow the policy of close the tap after use.
BHUTAN’S HERITAGE – “Bhutan is indeed rich in Cultural as well as
Natural Heritage”
1. NATURAL HERITAGE
It refers to the flora and fauna passed to us from
the earlier generation to present generation. As once Bhutan has been declared
as 10th Global “HOT SPOT”
for conservation of biological diversity.
Ø 200 species of animals (mammals).
Ø 770 species of birds.
Ø 50 species of Rhododendrons.
Ø 300 species of medical herbs.
2. CULTURAL HERITAGE
What is Culture?
It means the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of
a particular group of people at a particular time.
Types of Culture
1.
Material
Culture – The Bhutanese material culture such as Dzong, architectural styles, games, clothes, ornaments etc.
2.
Non-Material
Culture – The Bhutanese non-material culture is the values and beliefs (the beliefs in local deities), language, folk, songs and
dances etc.
Define Cultural Heritage.
It refers to the unique aspects of Bhutanese people’s beliefs, values,
and behavior and material objects shared by a particular group of people,
passed down from generations to generations.
Some ways to preserve our Cultural Heritage
1.
By making
strict laws, which every citizen have to follow.
2.
By
encouraging the people about the importance of cultural heritage through
different Medias such as movies, skits, serials etc.
3.
By
educating the people about the importance of cultural heritage as a national
identity which will safeguard our country’s sovereignty.
PROTECTED AREAS
An area of land especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance
of biological diversity, natural and associated cultural resources, and to manage
through legal or other effective means.
The protected areas system of Bhutan was initiated in the 1960s, and
then covered almost the entire southern and northern regions of the country.
There are 10 formally protected areas (as
parks and sanctuaries) in Bhutan covering 16,396.43 square kilometers; 20% of
the country is under formal protection and another 9% as biological corridors.
However, the management of these areas is constrained by the lack of staffs.
Types of Protected Areas in Bhutan
1.
Strict
Nature reserve
The protected area or a body which is part of the International Union
for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) managed primary for research and environmental
monitoring.
2.
National
Park and Wild Life Sanctuary
The protected
area managed mainly for eco- system protection, recreation and sustainable use.
3.
Biological
Corridor
An area set
aside for the management to connect one or more protected area for the safe
movement of the wild life.
Revision Questions
for the Unit
1.
What is conservation?
2.
Design THREE
strategies that would help in the conservation of our cultural heritage?
3.
Differentiate between natural and cultural
heritage?
4.
According to sociologist, what are the
different types of cultural heritage? Explain with example.
5.
What is a
protected area? State why they are established?
6.
What could
be the main task of Bhutanese in the face of the ever fast changing times?
7.
Mention TWO factors attributed to the
preservation of the country’s rich biological diversity.
8.
Why Bhutan
has been declared as one of the global “Hot Spot” for the conservation of
biological diversity?
