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Glossary
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Term |
Definition |
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Abiotic resources |
Resources obtained from physical or non-living environment, such as land, water, air, minerals and power resources. |
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Actual or developed resources |
Resources whose total quantity and quality are at present known and can be developed. |
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Biotic resources |
Resources that are living or derived from living organisms, such as plants, animals and microorganisms. |
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Conservation of resources |
The careful and judicious use of natural resources without wasting them. |
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Human-made resources |
Resources that are created by human beings using their knowledge, skills and technology, such as buildings, roads, machinery and vehicles. |
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Human resources |
The people who have the ability and skill to make the best use of natural resources through their knowledge and technology. |
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Localized resources |
Resources that are found at certain places only, such as gold and silver. |
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Natural resources |
The natural endowments, such as land, air, water, soil, minerals, natural vegetation and fossil fuels. |
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Non-renewable resources |
Resources that are available in fixed quantities and cannot be replaced once exhausted, such as minerals and fossil fuels. |
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Potential resources |
Resources whose total available quantity is not known at present and can be used in the future. |
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Renewable resources |
Resources that can be renewed by reproduction or by physical, mechanical or chemical processes, such as plants, animals, solar and wind energy. |
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Sustainable development |
The development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. |
