Mineral resources as a constituent part of natural capital

Abstract

appraisal of the territory’s natural capital. The appraisal represents the mechanism which makes it possible to reasonably select the options for the natural capital development with the view of social-economic development being favourable to human life activity and preserving ecological balance at the same time. The appraisal’s reliability requires specified structure of the natural capital and the implemented functions. Research aim is to specify the architecture of the natural capital and functions implemented by its components. Methodology and methods. The theory and the methodology of the natural capital and the theory of ecosystem services were the theoretical basis for the research. The research contained data generalization and analysis, classification and grouping, comparative analysis, and qualitative analysis. Research results. The content of the natural resources potential with available resources and potential reserves was studied. The possibility of transferring from potential reserves (off-balance and written-off reserves and technogenic mineral bodies) to accessible mineral resources which form the mineral resource base was shown by the example of the mineral raw potential. Universally recognized ecosystem services classifications were analyzed and recommendations were made aimed at improving such a classification for further universal application. All components of the natural environment are considered from the position of ecosystem services possibility. It has been determined that they are provided by both biotic and abiotic components (such functions reside even in the lithosphere). The authors’ position has been formulated regarding eco services as ecological resources. Anthropocentric character of the approach has been proven in the definition of the natural capital, which is only considered from the position of the “income flow” for the sake of human, while its preservation is conditioned by the need for its permanency. The essence of resource and ecosystem approach is revealed when building the structure of the natural capital. It is recommended to use a combination of the options based on the principles from the present article. Summary. Natural capital appraisal reliability required unambiguity in constructing the natural capital and the implemented functions. It is proposed to use the combined structure of the natural capital which reflects the implemented resource and ecosystem functions.