Introduction to Resources
Human beings have always depended on the surface of the natural environment. He fulfills his living needs and requirements by investing directly or indirectly in various natural materials from our available surrounding environment.
Some periodic changes are created in the natural and physical properties of the materials, like wooden tools are made from wood, cotton is made from cotton, cloth is made from cotton, various tools and household appliances are made and used from minerals. The products produced from the materials are more valuable than the original materials.
Substances that remain unused or unknown in the natural environment are not considered resources. If man finds it and invests it in various activities, it is considered as a resource. So the country which has developed this resource from its stored state to the extent possible.
Many people around us think that resources are a free gift of nature. But this is not true. Resources are the inputs of human activity. The role of man in the use of resources is particularly noteworthy. Because man is considered as the creator, user and destroyer of resources.
The economic condition of that country has become prosperous to that extent. Some of these resources are used directly while others are converted and utilized in various ways. This transformation process depends on the interdependence between nature, people, industry and institutions in the natural environment.
Therefore, in economic geography, man is considered as a major factor. Because all processes like production, distribution, and consumption are created by humans. For that reason, human beings are also considered as potential resources, which are known as Human Resources.
The standard of living of the people of a country depends upon the condition of the country and the quality and size of the population. Therefore, the civilization or economic development of any country depends on the population, natural resources and human resource utilization of that country.
The four characteristics of Resources are:
- Utility
- Changeability
- Functionality
- Availability
Types Of Resources
Resources are divided into different categories based on source, use, quality etc.
According to nature
Natural resources
The materials and energy in nature by which man is benefited directly and indirectly are called natural resources. For example: land, soil, forest, wildlife, water, air, minerals, energy etc.
Cultural Resources
In the course of the development of civilization, man has made useful use of his skills and technical knowledge in some way by transforming the natural environment or in a completely isolated way.
Various Man-made cultural and economic institutions, industry, education, health, trade, finance, money circulation, social and political institutions are listed under this resource.
Human Resources
Humans are considered a particularly valuable resource. Resources are created through the combined processes of man and his environment and cultural organization. For example: structure, installation, quality etc.
According to origin
Biotic Resources
It is the living things under the biosphere or within nature like – human beings, animals, plants, microorganisms, animals, birds, fish, etc.
Abiotic Resources
These are inorganic or non-living things which are available in nature For example: soil, rock, sand, minerals, material etc.
According to usage and availability
Inexhaustible resources
Resources which
Limited or perishable resource
According to Quantity
Ir-replenishable Resources
Flow orReplenishable Resources
According to input
Renewable Resources
The resources which do not completely decay despite repeated use by man and can be replenished in various ways are called renewable resources. Forest products, animal products, agricultural products, etc. are renewed and used again through a cyclic process. Water, soil, air pollution is replenished in natural ways.
Non-renewable Resources
According to distribution or distribution
Ubiquitous Resources
Localised Resources
According to the level of development
Potential Resources
The resources that are lying unused in nature are called hidden or stored resources. Gujarat and Rajasthan have abundant solar and wind energy. But it has not been developed properly. Minerals under the seabed are also classified as stored resources.
Water is formed by the combination of oxygen and nitrogen. It is hoped that with proper technology, energy can be produced from Etu in the future.
Stocks Resources
Substances in the environment that can meet human needs but cannot be used according to today’s technology; Such material resources are included in inventory.
Developed Resources
The resources that have been utilized and humans have been discovered and developed over a long time. This resource is known as Developed Resources. For example: Hydro-electricity, Forestry, Mineral, water etc.
Reserved resources
The resources that have been found, but have not been usefully used, but are expected to be useful in the future are called reserved resources. Eg: running water that cannot be used for power generation.
According to Ownership
Individual Resources
The resources that are in one’s own right are called individual resources. E.g.: Farmland, House, Plantation Agricultural Land, Pool, Well etc.
Community Resources
National Resources
All the natural resources, cultural resources, human resources which are available within the geographical boundaries of the country are called national resources. Even domestic resources are under National Resources. The prosperity and development of the country depends on the national resources of the country. For example: roads, canals, railways, mineral resources, water, forests, wildlife etc.
International Resources
The resources that are managed by international institutions are called international resources. The exclusive economic zone of the sea coast means the marine resources in the next area of 200 nautical miles (370 km) under it. The international organization United Nations (U.N.) has authority over it and no country can claim any rights without its prior permission.
FAQs
What Is Natural Resources?
The materials and energy in nature by which man is benefited directly and indirectly are called natural resources.
What Is National Resources?
All the natural resources, cultural resources, human resources which are available within the geographical boundaries of the country are called National Resources.
What Is Developed Resources?
The resources that have been utilized and humans have been discovered and developed over a long time. This resource is known as Developed Resources.
What Is Reserved Resources In Geography?
The resources that have been found, but have not been usefully used, but are expected to be useful in the future are called Reserved Resources.
What do you mean by Renewable Resources?
The resources which do not completely decay despite repeated use by man and can be replenished in various ways are called Renewable Resources.
