Sustainable and Unsustainable Use of Biological Resources
(By Muhammad Zahid, Lecturer in Botany, Government Graduate College Aadhiwal Chowk, Jhang)
1. Introduction
Biological resources include all living components of nature that humans use for survival, development, and economic activities — such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. These resources provide us with food, medicine, fuel, clothing, shelter, and raw materials for various industries.
The way humans use these resources can either ensure their availability for the future or cause their depletion. Based on this, their use can be categorized into sustainable and unsustainable.
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Examples at the Start
- Sustainable Use Examples: Selective tree cutting with replanting, regulated fishing quotas, organic farming, cultivation of medicinal plants (Aloe vera, Rauvolfia serpentina), controlled grazing.
- Unsustainable Use Examples: Clear-cut logging without replanting, overfishing beyond recovery limits, poaching endangered species, overgrazing leading to desertification, excessive wild harvesting of plants like Saussurea costus.
2. Sustainable Use of Biological Resources
Definition
Sustainable use means utilizing biological resources at a rate that allows them to regenerate naturally, so that present needs are met without compromising the needs of future generations.
Core Principles
- Rate of harvest ≤ regeneration rate of the resource.
- Minimal disturbance to natural habitats and ecological processes.
- Biodiversity conservation — maintaining species and genetic diversity.
- Community participation in conservation and management.
- Pollution prevention through eco-friendly methods.
- Forestry: Cutting selected mature trees and replanting saplings of native species.
- Fisheries: Following seasonal bans, mesh size regulations, and catch limits to protect breeding stocks.
- Wildlife Management: Limited hunting quotas based on population surveys.
- Agriculture: Crop rotation, intercropping, compost use, integrated pest management.
- Medicinal Plants: Cultivation of important herbs like Aloe vera, Rauvolfia serpentina instead of wild collection.
Benefits
- Long-term availability of resources.
- Maintenance of ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
- Prevention of habitat loss and soil degradation.
- Economic stability for resource-dependent communities.
- Supports climate balance through conservation of carbon sinks.
3. Unsustainable Use of Biological Resources
Definition
Unsustainable use is exploitation at a rate exceeding natural regeneration, leading to resource depletion, ecosystem collapse, and biodiversity loss.
Main Characteristics
- Overexploitation — taking more than nature can replace.
- Habitat destruction — deforestation, wetland drainage, coral reef damage.
- Ignoring ecological limits — exceeding carrying capacity.
- Pollution — excessive chemicals harming soil, water, and species.
- Illegal exploitation — poaching, unlicensed fishing, illegal logging.
Detailed Examples
- Deforestation without replanting: Permanent loss of forests in Pakistan’s northern areas.
- Overfishing: Collapse of freshwater fish populations like Pangasius.
- Poaching: Hunting snow leopards, markhor, and pangolins.
- Overgrazing: Livestock degrading grasslands in Balochistan.
- Medicinal plant overharvesting: Endangerment of Saussurea costus, Taxus wallichiana.
Consequences
- Biodiversity loss and species extinction.
- Ecosystem collapse — loss of essential services like pollination and water filtration.
- Soil degradation — erosion, salinization, compaction.
- Climate change acceleration — reduced carbon storage due to deforestation.
- Economic decline — loss of livelihood for communities.
4. Difference Between Sustainable and Unsustainable Use
Sustainable Use – Key Points
- Harvest rate is equal to or less than natural regeneration capacity.
- Protects biodiversity and genetic diversity.
- Maintains ecosystem services (pollination, climate regulation, soil fertility).
- Provides long-term environmental and economic benefits.
- Follows scientific guidelines and legal regulations.
- Involves community participation.
- Examples: Selective logging with replanting, regulated fishing quotas, organic farming, cultivation of medicinal plants.
Unsustainable Use – Key Points
- Harvest rate is greater than natural regeneration capacity.
- Causes biodiversity loss and species extinction.
- Damages ecosystem services, leading to erosion, pollution, and climate change.
- Provides short-term gains but long-term losses.
- Ignores ecological limits and often breaks conservation laws.
- Causes habitat destruction and ecosystem collapse.
- Examples: Clear-cut logging without replanting, overfishing, poaching endangered animals, overgrazing, excessive wild harvesting of rare plants.
5. Key Understanding for Students
Sustainable use is like living off the interest of a bank account — you keep the original amount safe while using what it produces. Unsustainable use is like spending both the interest and the original amount — eventually, nothing is left, and recovery becomes very difficult.
6. Final Words
Sustainable management of biological resources is essential for environmental stability and human survival. By following scientific guidelines, enforcing conservation laws, and involving local communities, we can shift from destructive exploitation to responsible stewardship. For BS Botany students, mastering these concepts is vital, as they will be the scientists and policymakers shaping resource use in the future.
Related Posts
- Ecological Services and the Direct & Indirect Value of Ecosystems by Virtue of Their Ecological Functions and Utility of Bioresources
- The Current Status of Biodiversity in Pakistan: A Closer Look at Key Statistics
- Biodiversity Measurement Tools: Exploring Diversity Indices
Sustainable and Unsustainable Resources – Quick Q&A
What are sustainable resources?
- Resources that can regenerate naturally and be used indefinitely without depletion (e.g., solar energy, forests under proper management).
Difference between sustainable and unsustainable resources
- Sustainable: Naturally replenished, long-term usable.
- Unsustainable: Depleted faster than replenishment rate.
Sustainable and unsustainable resources – examples
- Sustainable: Sunlight, wind, fresh water (if managed), forests.
- Unsustainable: Fossil fuels, overfished species, deforested areas.
What is called a sustainable resource?
- Any resource that remains available for future generations due to responsible use and natural renewal.
Definitions of sustainability
- Ability to meet present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
What is sustainable food?
- Food produced with methods that protect environment, animal welfare, and human health over the long term.
What does "sustainable materials" mean?
- Materials sourced and processed with minimal environmental impact and high potential for reuse or renewal.
What is a synonym for unsustainable?
- Unviable, non-renewable, wasteful, destructive.
What is a simple example of sustainability?
- Planting a tree for every tree cut down.
What are two examples of sustainable resources?
- Solar energy and timber from responsibly managed forests.
What are three types of sustainability?
- Environmental, economic, and social.
What is sustainability in two words?Long-term viability.
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Unsustainable use of biological resources
Overharvesting or habitat destruction leading to species decline.
Sustainable and unsustainable energy
- Sustainable energy: Solar, wind, hydropower.
- Unsustainable energy: Coal, oil, natural gas.
What is the difference between sustainable and unsustainable food?
- Sustainable food: Locally grown, low waste, eco-friendly production.
- Unsustainable food: Overprocessed, resource-intensive, harmful farming.
What is the meaning of sustainable and unsustainable?
- Sustainable: Can last indefinitely without harm.
- Unsustainable: Cannot last; causes long-term damage.
What is the meaning of unsustainable resources?
- Resources that are depleted faster than they can be replenished.
Is cotton a sustainable fabric?
- Conventional cotton is often unsustainable due to high water and pesticide use, but organic cotton can be sustainable.
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