Introduction

  1. Energy resources are essential for economic growth, technological advancement, and improving living standards.
  2. Renewable energy sources are sustainable, replenishable, and environmentally friendly alternatives to fossil fuels.
  3. Common renewable energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, and biomass energy.

Solar Energy

  1. Solar energy is harnessed from the sun’s radiation using solar panels or photovoltaic cells.

Introduction

  1. Water resource management involves the efficient planning, development, and distribution of water to ensure its sustainable use.
  2. Rainwater harvesting and watershed management are key strategies to combat water scarcity and enhance water availability.

Rainwater Harvesting

  1. Rainwater harvesting refers to the collection and storage of rainwater for later use.
  2. It helps in replenishing groundwater levels and reducing water runoff.
  3. Rainwate

Introduction

  1. Sustainable resource management ensures the use of natural resources to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  2. Sustainable agriculture and sustainable forestry are key strategies to balance resource use and environmental conservation.

Sustainable Agriculture

  1. Sustainable agriculture focuses on producing food, fiber, and other products in a way that preserves the environment, supports economic viability, and

Introduction

  1. Natural resources are essential components of the Earth's ecosystem, supporting life and development.
  2. The major types of natural resources include land, water, forests, and minerals.
  3. Proper management and conservation of these resources are critical for sustainable development.

Land Resources

  1. Land is a finite and critical resource used for agriculture, habitation, and infrastructure.
  2. Supports

Introduction

  1. Natural resources are materials and components provided by nature that are essential for human survival and development.
  2. They are categorized into renewable and non-renewable resources based on their availability and rate of replenishment.
  3. Understanding these resources is crucial for sustainable development and conservation.

Renewable Resources

  1. Renewable resources are naturally replenished on a regular basis.
  2. Examples include

Introduction

  1. Conservation initiatives are aimed at protecting endangered species and maintaining ecological balance.
  2. Project Tiger and Project Elephant are flagship programs initiated by the Indian government to conserve these iconic species.
  3. These projects involve habitat protection, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and promoting sustainable coexistence.

Project Tiger

  1. Launched in 1973 by the Government of India to protect the dwindling tiger population.
  2. Aims to

Introduction

  1. Ex-situ conservation refers to the conservation of species outside their natural habitats.
  2. It is a complementary approach to in-situ conservation, focusing on protecting endangered species in controlled environments.
  3. Key methods include zoos, seed banks, and botanical gardens.

Zoos

  1. Zoos serve as centers for the conservation and captive breeding of endangered species.
  2. They help protect species from threats like

Introduction

  1. In-situ conservation involves protecting species in their natural habitats to ensure their survival and reproduction.
  2. It aims to maintain the natural processes and interactions within ecosystems, preserving genetic diversity.
  3. Key methods of in-situ conservation include the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and biosphere reserves.

National Parks

  1. National parks are protected areas established to conserve w

Introduction

  1. Biodiversity is under constant threat from various human-induced activities and natural changes.
  2. Key threats include poaching, the spread of invasive species, and the impact of climate change.
  3. These threats disrupt ecosystems, reduce species diversity, and destabilize ecological balance.

Poaching

  1. Poaching refers to the illegal hunting, capturing, or killing of wildlife, often for commercial purposes.
  2. It targets species for their

Introduction to Habitat Loss and Fragmentation

  1. Habitat loss refers to the destruction or degradation of natural habitats, making them unsuitable for species survival.
  2. Habitat fragmentation is the division of large, continuous habitats into smaller, isolated patches, disrupting ecosystems.
  3. These are major drivers of biodiversity decline globally, affecting species survival and ecosystem functioning.

Causes of Habitat Loss

  1. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, and urban