🌿 Natural Resources and Planning

Natural resources are elements of the natural environment that are utilized to meet human needs—such as water, land, forests, minerals, soil, and energy sources. Proper planning ensures efficient use, conservation, and sustainability of these resources in settlements and urban development.

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1️⃣ Types of Natural Resources in Planning Context

Resource Type	Examples	Planning Considerations
Land	Agricultural land, urban land, wetlands	Land-use planning, zoning, soil conservation, preventing urban sprawl
Water	Rivers, lakes, groundwater, rainwater	Water supply, drainage, flood control, rainwater harvesting
Forests & Vegetation	Trees, green belts, parks	Urban greening, climate moderation, biodiversity, recreation
Minerals & Energy	Coal, oil, solar, wind	Location of industries, renewable energy planning, sustainability
Air & Climate	Wind, solar radiation, temperature	Orientation of buildings, ventilation, renewable energy potential

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2️⃣ Role of Natural Resources in Planning

1. Land Planning
   • Identify suitable areas for development vs. conservation.
   • Preserve fertile agricultural land and forest cover.
   • Avoid construction in floodplains, wetlands, or ecologically sensitive areas.
2. Water Resource Management
   • Ensure adequate water supply for residential, industrial, and recreational use.
   • Integrate stormwater drainage and flood mitigation.
   • Promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
3. Energy Planning
   • Identify potential for renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro.
   • Plan for energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure.
4. Environmental Sustainability
   • Maintain green spaces for urban cooling, recreation, and air purification.
   • Plan for waste management and pollution control to protect soil, water, and air.
5. Disaster Risk Management
   • Analyze resource vulnerability: rivers prone to flooding, landslide-prone areas, drought-prone zones.
   • Plan settlements away from high-risk areas and integrate mitigation measures.

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3️⃣ Integration with Urban and Regional Planning

Planning Component	Integration with Natural Resources
Land-use planning	Avoid ecologically sensitive zones, preserve agricultural land
Housing & settlements	Water and energy-efficient design, orientation for sunlight and wind
Transport networks	Minimize land degradation, preserve wetlands/forests
Industry & economy	Locate resource-intensive industries near raw materials sustainably
Recreation & open spaces	Urban forests, parks, riverside promenades for ecological and social benefits

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4️⃣ Key Principles for Resource-Based Planning

1. Sustainable Use – Ensure resources meet current needs without compromising future availability.
2. Conservation – Protect forests, water bodies, soil, and biodiversity.
3. Integration – Incorporate resource management into land-use, infrastructure, and urban design.
4. Equity – Provide fair access to natural resources for all communities.
5. Risk Assessment – Consider natural hazards (floods, droughts) in development plans.

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✅ In summary:

• Natural resources form the foundation for all planning activities.
• Planning must balance development with conservation.
• Sustainable, resource-conscious planning ensures environmental protection, social welfare, and long-term economic viability.