Natural Resources

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Natural Resources

Natural resources refer to materials found abundantly in nature that humans use for their welfare and
the production of various goods. These resources are fundamental to the development of life and are
an essential source of income for many countries. Natural resources can be classified into renewable
and non-renewable categories, depending on their ability to regenerate.

Importance of Natural Resources

Natural resources play a crucial role in sustaining human life and facilitating economic development.
Some of the key points regarding the importance of natural resources are:

1. They help maintain environmental balance and fulfill human needs.


2. Many industries rely on raw materials derived from plants, animals, and biological resources,
including medicine production.
3. Resources are transformed into capital, forming the basis for economic infrastructure and
development.
4. The principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle are vital for the sustainable management of
natural resources.
5. Overuse and irrational exploitation of natural resources can lead to socio-economic and
environmental challenges, as these resources are limited.
6. Many natural resources take millions of years to form and should be conserved to ensure
long-term availability.

Natural Resources in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is endowed with a rich variety of natural resources that contribute significantly to its
economic growth and diversification. These resources can be categorized into renewable and
non-renewable types. Renewable resources, such as water, forests, and fish, can naturally replenish
themselves, while non-renewable resources, like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are finite and
cannot regenerate once depleted.

Agricultural Resources

Agriculture is one of the pillars of Bangladesh's economy, contributing about 11.61% of the country's
GDP. The country has a vast amount of arable land, around 90,990 square kilometers, used for
cultivating crops like rice, jute, tea, wheat, potatoes, and fruits. Rice is the staple food and can be
grown up to three times a year in many regions. The agriculture sector employs around 63% of the
population, either directly or indirectly, and plays a vital role in achieving macroeconomic objectives
such as employment, poverty alleviation, and food security.
Mineral Resources

Though Bangladesh does not have a vast array of minerals, it is rich in a few key non-renewable
resources such as:

● Natural Gas: Bangladesh is the seventh-largest producer of natural gas in Asia, with 90% of
its electricity being generated by natural gas. Gas fields like Titas, Jalalabad, and Kailashtila
are critical to the country’s energy production.
● Limestone: Found in Sylhet, Sunamganj, and Joypurhat, limestone is a raw material used in
the production of cement, glass, and paper.
● Coal: Coal reserves are found in regions like Dinajpur and Sylhet, although extraction
remains challenging.
● China Clay and Silica: China clay is used in crockery and sanitary products, while silica is
essential for glass production. These resources are found in various districts, including
Naogaon and Sylhet.
● Hard Rocks: Used primarily for construction, hard rocks are found in regions like Dinajpur
and Rangpur.

Forest Resources

Forests cover approximately 17.4% of Bangladesh’s land area, with the Sundarbans being the largest
forest reserve. Bangladesh has divided its forest regions into five zones, including the Chattogram Hill
Tracts and the Sylhet forests. Forestry contributes around 3% to the national GDP and employs about
2% of the labor force.

Animal Resources

Bangladesh has a wide variety of animals, both domestic and wild. Livestock, including cows, goats,
and chickens, plays a crucial role in the economy, contributing around 2.9% to GDP and employing
millions of people, especially women in rural areas. Additionally, Bangladesh is home to numerous
wildlife species, including tigers, elephants, and deer, though many species are under threat due to
habitat loss.

Power Resources

The power sector in Bangladesh is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, with natural gas accounting for
nearly 63% of electricity generation. The country also relies on coal and diesel for power, but
renewable sources like solar and wind energy are being explored to meet future demands. Bangladesh
has also been working on hydropower generation, with the Kaptai Power Station being a notable
example.
Water Resources

Water is one of Bangladesh's most valuable renewable resources. The country has abundant surface
and groundwater, primarily sourced from rivers, lakes, and rainfall. These water resources are vital for
irrigation, domestic use, transportation, and industrial activities. Bangladesh has made significant
efforts to manage and conserve its water resources through government initiatives and public
awareness campaigns.

Natural Resource Management in Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s diverse ecosystems include tropical forests, mangroves, wetlands, and the Sundarbans,
the world’s largest mangrove forest. The country is rich in biodiversity, with a vast number of plant
and animal species. However, many of these species, including the Bengal tiger and Ganges river
dolphin, are threatened. The government, alongside various organizations, is actively involved in
conserving these ecosystems and biodiversity.

Response to Globalization

Globalization has significantly impacted Bangladesh's natural resources sector. The country has
become more integrated into the global economy, with exports of agricultural products like rice, tea,
and jute contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings. The diversification of export
products has helped reduce the country's reliance on the ready-made garment industry. Additionally,
Bangladesh is exploring the possibility of exporting sand, although this proposal has faced some
opposition from government ministries concerned about resource depletion.

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