NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

Abstract

Natural resource management (NRM) and conservation are essential components of sustainable development because human societies depend on land, water, forests, minerals, wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystem services for food, livelihoods, economic development, and social well-being. Increasing population, urbanization, industrialization, agricultural expansion, overexploitation, pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change have intensified pressure on natural resources. The Global Resources Outlook 2024 reports that global resource extraction has increased substantially over recent decades and that continued growth in resource demand could intensify environmental pressures if resource use is not transformed toward more sustainable patterns. This research examines the major principles, approaches, challenges, and conservation strategies associated with natural resource management. The study adopts a qualitative, descriptive research approach based on a systematic review of recent scholarly literature, international environmental reports, and research on biodiversity, ecosystems, sustainable resource use, and community participation. Particular attention is given to integrated resource management, ecosystem-based conservation, sustainable land and water management, biodiversity protection, restoration, community participation, Indigenous and local knowledge, environmental governance, and technological approaches. Existing literature indicates that effective conservation requires coordination between ecological protection, economic needs, institutional governance, and community interests. Research also emphasizes the value of integrating scientific knowledge with local and Indigenous knowledge in conservation and NRM. The study concludes that sustainable natural resource management depends on long-term planning, responsible resource use, effective governance, stakeholder participation, monitoring, restoration, and conservation policies that connect environmental sustainability with human well-being.