--- title: "Optimum utilization of natural resources" subject: "Technology, Environment and Society" chapter: 4 key: "semester_7/technology_environment_and_society:optimum-utilization-resources" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/optimum-utilization-resources site: BCT Engineering --- # Optimum utilization of natural resources Technology, Environment and Society · Chapter 4: Environment - Asked in: 2082 Baisakh, 4 marks - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/optimum-utilization-resources - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_7/technology_environment_and_society/chapter-4 ## Question Justify with examples that the optimum utilization of natural resources helps achieve sustainable development of any society in future. ## Short answer Optimum utilization uses resources sustainably to meet present needs without compromising future ones. For instance, Nepal’s community forestry increased forest cover to about 45% while providing income, and tapping its feasible ~42,000 MW hydropower replaces fossil fuels and aids sustainable development. ## Answer **Optimum utilisation** of natural resources means using resources (water, forest, land, minerals, energy) at a level and in a way that gives maximum benefit today **without reducing their ability to meet future needs**. This is the core idea of **sustainable development**: "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" (Brundtland Report, 1987). #### Justification with examples 1. **Renewable resources stay renewable** if use is below regeneration rate. *Example:* Nepal's **community forestry** – user groups harvest timber and fodder according to an operational plan; forest cover has increased to about 45%, while giving income and jobs. 2. **Non-renewable resources last longer** with efficient use and recycling. *Example:* recycling metals and plastics; regulated sand mining instead of excessive riverbed mining in the Chure region. 3. **Clean energy for growth** – *example:* using Nepal's large hydropower potential (economically feasible about 42,000–43,000 MW is often cited) replaces imported petroleum, reduces pollution, and earns income from export to India and Bangladesh. 4. **Water for many uses** – multi-purpose projects (irrigation, drinking water, hydropower) and rainwater harvesting use the same water better. 5. **Land use planning** – protecting fertile land from haphazard urbanisation keeps food security. 6. **Economic benefit and equity** – steady income from resources (e.g. tourism in national parks like Chitwan) benefits both present and future generations through buffer-zone revenue sharing. 7. **Avoids ecological collapse** – overuse causes deforestation, erosion, floods and desertification, which destroy the resource base of a society. Hence optimum utilisation, backed by planning, appropriate technology and community participation, balances economic growth, social welfare and environmental protection, the three pillars of sustainable development. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. What is optimum utilisation of resources? A. Using all resources as fast as possible B. Using resources for maximum benefit today without reducing future ability to meet needs C. Not using resources D. Exporting all resources Answer: B. It is use that keeps future generations' needs possible. (Key point: Definition) 2. When do renewable resources stay renewable? A. When use is below the regeneration rate B. When used faster than they regrow C. When ignored D. When burned Answer: A. Use below regeneration keeps them renewable, e.g. community forestry. (Key point: Renewables) 3. Which are the three pillars of sustainable development? A. Economic growth, social welfare, environmental protection B. Coal, oil, gas C. Land, labour, capital D. Politics, war, trade Answer: A. Optimum utilisation balances growth, welfare and environment. (Key point: Three pillars) ## Related in Technology, Environment and Society - [Sustainable development and LEP](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Asustainable-development-lep) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 2 - [Resource utilization vs conservation: hydropower](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Aresource-use-vs-conservation) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 4 - [Conflict of resources and ecology](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Aconflict-of-resources-ecosystem) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 4 - [Short note: Conflict of resources](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Aconflict-of-resources-note) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 4 - [Short note: Renewable and non-renewable resources](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Arenewable-nonrenewable-resources) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 4 - [Participatory development approach](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Ftechnology_environment_and_society%3Aparticipatory-development-approach) — Technology, Environment and Society, chapter 2, asked 2× ## Related in other subjects - [Role of electrical energy in sustainable development](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Futilization_of_electrical_energy%3Aelectrical-energy-sustainable-development) — Utilization of Electrical Energy, chapter 1, asked 2× - [Appropriate technology and sustainable development elements](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenergy_environment_and_society%3Aappropriate-technology-sustainable-elements) — Energy Environment and Society, chapter 1 - [Impact of technology, sustainable development](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fenergy_environment_and_society%3Atechnology-impact-society-sustainable) — Energy Environment and Society, chapter 1 - [Natural resource management approaches and sustainability](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fenergy_resources%3Aenvironment-development-society-resource-management) — Energy Resources, chapter 8