Conservation of Natural Resources: Soil, Wildlife and Energy

What is Conservation?• Protecting the land and resources so future

generations can use them– We can manage resources wisely

• Which natural resources should we try to conserve and protect?– ALL natural resources, non-renewable and renewable, wildlife

• Using the 3Rs!

Recycling

• Advantages?– Saves more of the resource being used– Saves land space that could become a landfill

(where garbage goes)

Conservation of Soil

• What effect do humans have on soil?– Soil is used for agriculture: Growing and planting of crops ex. corn,

banana

• Native plants are replaced by these crops– What do crops need to grow?– Nutrients: taken out of the soil when crops are harvested

= soil depletion• If nutrients are not replaced, soil may lose its nutrients and

may not be able to grow any more crops

How can we conserve the soil?

• Crop rotation– Changing the type

of crops so more nutrients stay in the soil

• Fertilizer – Compost– Chemicals

Conservation of Soil• Erosion:– Soil may be removed by wind or water– Related to the TYPE of farming and management of the

soil• We must prepare the land for crops, but special methods can

reduce erosion – Terracing – very common in Colombia– Strip-cropping

Wildlife Conservation

• Protecting wildlife species – Both animals AND plants

• Extinct and endangered species

• Why should we protect and conserve wildlife?– Roles in the ecosystem– Human use– Aesthetic appeal

Wildlife Conservation

• Managing land resources is important to protect wildlife– Creation of

protected areas and national parks

– Colombia has around 56 of these areas

• How can we managethe land so we can save plants, animals and other organisms?

Conservation of Energy

• What energy resources exist?– Renewable– Non-renewable

• How can we conserve these energy resources?– Turn off lights/water when not in use– Drive less, bike more!– other ideas?