Conservation of Natural Resources – JSS3 Intermediate Science Lesson Note (First Term)

Conservation is the wise use and protection of natural resources so that they last for people today and for future generations.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define natural resources and conservation.
2. Classify natural resources as renewable or non-renewable, with examples.
3. State four reasons why natural resources must be conserved.
4. Describe methods of conserving forests, wildlife, water and soil.
5. Name Nigerian agencies and reserves that protect natural resources.
6. List simple actions a student can take to conserve resources.

What are natural resources?

Natural resources are materials from the Earth that humans use to survive and live comfortably.

• Examples: water, soil, air, forests, animals, sunlight, crude oil, coal and minerals.

What are renewable resources?

Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced by nature or by people within a reasonable time.

• Water: returns through the water cycle.
• Plants and trees: regrow or can be replanted.
• Sunlight: available every day.
• Animals and fish: breed and replace themselves if not over-hunted.

What are non-renewable resources?

Non-renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be replaced within a human lifetime once they are used up.

• Crude oil: took millions of years to form.
• Coal: a fossil fuel that cannot be made again quickly.
• Minerals: such as gold, tin and iron ore.

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

Why is conservation important?

Conservation is important because it keeps resources available, protects living things and supports human life.

• To avoid scarcity: cutting trees for firewood without replanting leaves too little wood for furniture and houses.
• To protect beauty and tourism: people travel to see Nigeria’s waterfalls and wild animals, and these attractions disappear if not protected.
• To maintain balance in nature: every plant and animal has a role. Bees help crops by pollination, so killing them with chemicals can reduce harvests.
• For scientific research: many medicines come from forest plants. If those plants become extinct, the chance to make new medicines is lost.
• To protect the future: resources saved today can be used by our children.

What are the main causes of resource loss?

Resource loss is mainly caused by human activities that use or damage resources faster than they can recover.

• Deforestation: cutting down trees without replanting.
• Bush burning: kills small animals and destroys soil nutrients.
• Poaching: illegal hunting of animals for tusks, skins or meat.
• Overfishing: catching fish faster than they can breed.
• Pollution: dumping refuse and chemicals into rivers and onto land.
• Soil erosion: rain or wind washing away bare topsoil.

What are the methods of conserving natural resources?

There are four main areas of conservation: forests, wildlife, water and soil.

How are forests conserved?

Forests give us oxygen, wood, food and shelter for animals.

• Reforestation: replanting trees where forest was cut down. A good rule is to plant new trees for every tree cut.
• Afforestation: planting trees on land that had no forest before.
• Forest reserves: the government protects certain areas where cutting trees and farming are controlled or not allowed.
• Preventing bush burning: protects small animals and soil nutrients.

How is wildlife conserved?

Wildlife conservation protects wild animals so that their numbers do not fall to extinction.

• Laws against poaching: stop people from hunting endangered animals for their tusks or skins.
• Game reserves and national parks: places such as Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State let animals live and multiply safely.
• Protecting young and pregnant animals: hunters should not kill them, so the population can grow.
• Hunting seasons: hunting is allowed only at certain times of the year.

How is water conserved?

Water conservation means keeping water clean and using it without waste.

• Stop pollution: do not dump refuse or chemicals into rivers and streams.
• Smart farming: use irrigation (controlled watering) instead of wasting water.
• Protecting water catchments: green land around rivers helps keep water clean and flowing.
• Fixing leaks and closing taps: prevents waste at home and at school.
• Safe fishing: do not use poison or explosives, and do not catch very young fish.

How is soil conserved?

Soil conservation means protecting soil from erosion and keeping it fertile.

• Crop rotation: grow different crops on the same land in turns to keep the soil healthy.
• Cover cropping: plant low crops such as melon or beans to cover the soil so rain cannot wash it away.
• Mulching: cover bare soil with dry grass or leaves to reduce erosion and water loss.
• Terracing and contour ridging: making steps or ridges across a slope to slow running water.
• Planting trees: roots hold the soil together.

How are minerals and fuels conserved?

Minerals and fuels are conserved by using less of them and using them again.

• Reduce: switch off lights and avoid wasting fuel.
• Reuse: use items such as bottles and containers again.
• Recycle: turn used metal, glass and plastic into new products.

Which agencies protect natural resources in Nigeria?

Several government bodies make and enforce rules that protect the environment.

1. NESREA (National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency): enforces environmental laws and standards.
2. FEPA (Federal Environmental Protection Agency): an earlier agency for environmental protection, now replaced by other bodies.
3. Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources: manages farming, forests and other natural resources.

Which places in Nigeria are protected for conservation?

• Yankari Game Reserve: in Bauchi State, home to elephants and other wildlife.
• Kainji Lake National Park: in Niger and Kwara States.
• Cross River National Park: in Cross River State.
• Okomu National Park: in Edo State.

What can a student do to conserve resources?

Every student can help conserve resources through small daily actions.

1. Turn off the tap: do not let water run while brushing your teeth.
2. Stop the fire: do not start unnecessary bush fires.
3. Plant a tree: it replaces trees that are cut and protects the soil.
4. Do not litter: keep refuse out of drains and rivers.
5. Educate others: tell your family and friends why nature’s resources must be protected.

Evaluation

1. Define conservation and natural resources.
2. Name two renewable and two non-renewable resources.
3. State three reasons why conservation is important.
4. Explain why planting a tree is a method of conservation.
5. Name one game reserve or national park in Nigeria and the state where it is found.

Assignment

List four ways of conserving soil and water in your community. For each one, write one sentence explaining how it helps.