Natural Resources and Development: Towards Sustainable Use in Developing Countries

Abstract

Natural resources are not only important in contributing to economic development, but are also vital for poverty reduction by providing employment and income and for their contribution to food security. Today, increasing demand for food, land, water and energy are introducing new pressures on natural systems and the benefits they provide for the people. In particular, globalization of world economies has increased the competition for resources and in many cases conflicts within and between countries. These have been largely responsible for unsustainable exploitation of resources particularly in the developing world. A key is thus, how to find the right balance between exploitation of natural resources and ensuring that investment in sustainable agriculture, fishing, forestry, lower carbon sources of energy and other management practices that would provide the right condition for long-term resilient economic development in the developing world.