Use Of Natural Resources Research Articles

Affectation of COVID-19 pandemic on the use and abundance of wild resources in Tabasco, Mexico: A qualitative assessment.

Southern Mexico is particularly rich in natural resources, yet unemployment has risen to 8% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the pandemic on the use and abundance of Tabasco's wild resources was examined through personal surveys. By using Microsoft Forms® with cell phones 1,963 surveys were collected. Cronbach's alpha, Z-value, and chi2 were calculated using the MAXQDA Analytics Pro program. A higher abundance of wild resources before the pandemic than today (57% vs. 11%) was observed. During the pandemic, people referred more to a high use (28%) of resources than to a low use (20%). This caused the low abundance or scarcity of wild products to be greater during the pandemic than before the pandemic (43% vs. 4%). Wild foods and timber were the most used products. The pandemic has produced a greater use of natural resources probably due to the high unemployment rate in rural areas. Future studies of wild products should address the relevant products in the locality and their even sampling. Finding suitable respondents is highly recommended.

The interlinkage between land resources, food, water, income, and sustainable environment: Evidence from China's economy with COP27 perspective

AbstractChina, the most populous country across the globe, has emerged as one of the biggest economies; however, regarding food production, water, uplifting the income level, and attaining environmental sustainability, the policymakers are still concerned. China's government has worked immensely on eradicating poverty through increasing food production, ensuring access to clean water, and using land resources. Similar steps are taken about environmental protection. In this regard, China needs more empirical evidence to tackle such an environmentally destructive issue and sustainable natural resource use. The present study investigates the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) while considering the importance of natural resources, food production and export, and water productivity in environmental quality. This research also explores the impact of tourism, energy use, and renewable energy output on carbon emissions in China during 1990–2021. This research authenticates the variables' stationarity and the long‐term equilibrium relationship between the study factors using the pre‐estimation diagnostic approaches. This study employed several parametric approaches and revealed that the EKC paradox is invalid in the case of China and vice versa in the presence of natural resources and food and water variables. Natural resources are the key hazard in attaining a sustainable regional environment and development. By contrast, increased economic growth and energy consumption also enhance the country's pollution level. In distinction, renewable electricity output, tourism industry, food production, and food export are the substantial drivers of attaining COP27 targets. Based on the study findings, this research recommends enhancement in sustainable food production and water management, improved production and consumption of renewables, reduced consumption of outdated energy, sustainable use of non‐renewable resources, and facilitated tourism across the country.

Tree plantation for implementing the land utilization policies incorporate with sustainable development towards environmental concerns in Assam, India

Environmental scientists have been considering the best use of natural resources in recent years, and in order to maintain sustainability, the government can no longer manage these resources alone without the support of the local people. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of tree plantations in the hillsides and wasteland for addressing sustainable environmental considerations and providing a framework for implementing land utilization policies incorporated with sustainable developmental work towards environmental concerns and priorities. In this continuous and progressive-centered participatory research, 300 participants voluntarily joined in two stages of fieldwork, planted 300 saplings, and nurtured them for approximately four years. Because of the tropical monsoon, the mountain climate with high temperatures, frequent heavy rains, and high humidity, as well as the ongoing efforts of the local peoples to care for the agro-forestry saplings, this tree plantation operation in the hillsides and wasteland was successful. The locals continued to care for the saplings even after the project was completed in order to find both immediate and long-term financial benefits. Nonetheless, participant feedback was gathered, and the skewed median centered data was analyzed using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test to evaluate the working hypotheses. The findings showed that there were no significant differences in the opinion of the participants' with planting trees or their comprehension of using human potential for sustainable farming, land readjustment, and food management. It concluded that tree plantation could provide a framework for implementing land utilization policies to incorporate sustainable development towards environmental concerns and priorities in Assam, India.

Pemanfaatan Sumber Daya Alam Kabupaten Lebong: Sumber Daya Pangan Rebung Bambu sebagai Bahan Baku Utama Pembuatan Lemea (Makanan Tradisional Kabupaten Lebong)

This research aimed to determine the use of natural resources as food in Lebong Regency which can later be used as a learning resource for students in science learning. This research uses a survey method conducted in Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province. The data collection technique used was interviews with the people of Lebong Regency and the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) of Lebong Regency regarding natural resources and their use. Data obtained from interviews were analyzed descriptively. The results of the research show that the people of Lebong Regency utilize natural resources, namely bamboo which is used as the main raw material in making lemea (a traditional food of the Rejang Tribe in Lebong Regency). The bamboo used in the process of making Lemea is a type of ship bamboo. The part of bamboo used in the process of making Lemea is bamboo shoots (young bamboo shoots). Lemea is a typical food of the Rejang tribe in Bengkulu Province where the main ingredient of lemea is chopped fermented bamboo shoots (young bamboo). The ingredients for the lemea mixture vary from region to region, some use river fish, red chilies, bay leaves and lemongrass. The science content that students can learn in this Lemea product is fermentation in biotechnology material. Keywords: Bamboo, Lebong, Lemea, Bamboo Shoots, Natural Resources

Study results of the parameters of winter barley adaptability according to forecrops

The development and wide distribution of new adaptive varieties in production is a promising and environmentally friendly way for the development of agriculture. A new, more modern, highly productive variety can ensure increased productivity, resistance of crops to stress factors, and promotes better use of natural and anthropogenic resources. The leading direction in breeding in the nearest future should be not the development of varieties in general, adapted to growing conditions, but the identification of varieties adapted to the stress-limiting environmental factors of a particular region, adaptive to the challenges of nature. In addition to the characteristics of the variety and environmental conditions, the forecrop also influences its productivity. Selection in some conditions may not reveal the potential of the genotype in others, which makes it important to obtain information on different growing environments of varieties at the early stages of breeding. The purpose of the current study was to determine the adaptive properties of promising winter barley varieties and lines according to various forecrops. The study was carried out from 2021 to 2023 to estimate the adaptability parameters of 20 winter barley varieties and lines developed by the FSBSI Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy” for various forecrops (weedfree fallow, peas, sunflower, winter wheat). To determine the indicators of homeostaticity (Hom) and selection value (Sc), stress resistance (Ymin–Ymax) and genetic flexibility ((Ymax+Ymin)/2), the coefficient of responsiveness to favorable growing conditions (Kr) and the indicator of the stability level of the variety (VSLI), there have been applied the methods of V.V. Khangildin and N.A. Litvinenko (1981), A.A. Rosielle and J. Hamblina as presented by A.A. Goncharenko (2005), V.A. Zykin (2005), E.D. Nettevich (2001). According to all forecrops, there have been identified the varieties distinguished by high parameters of environmental adaptability and stability. Stress-resistant genotypes included the lines ‘Parallelum 2016’ and ‘Parallelum 2017’ (Ymin–Ymax = 1.2, 1.1, respectively), which were distinguished by a set of stability indicators and have been recommended for use in the breeding process as sources of high stress resistance, low yield variability, capable of minimizing negative impact of growing conditions. The variety ‘Step’ proved to be adaptable (regression coefficient bi = 1.5), genetically flexible ((Ymin–Ymax)/2 = 7.7), and highly responsive to growing conditions (Kr = 1.53). The dynamics of productivity corresponded to changes in growing conditions, and to maximize a productivity level, there has been recommended to cultivate it on intensive forecrops.

SUSTAINABLE ACTIONS AND WASTE MANAGEMENT IN DENTISTRY

Purpose: Examine the social and economic functions of companies and their actions, mainly regarding the protection and use of natural resources, minerals and the disposal of contaminated materials.
 Theoretical Framework: The government created regulations that thoroughly describe the management, classification and importance of implementing a Health Service Waste Management Plan in all health institutions.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: It is an exploratory case study, which compared the disposal of Health Service Waste in two dental clinics.
 Findings: The clinics' Health Service Waste Management Plan aims to minimize the production of waste, treat it and send it safely to its final destination, which prevents and controls occupational, public health and environmental risks environment.
 Research, Practical & Social Implications: We suggest that knowledge of the standards and monitoring of their compliance, together with the education and training of professionals who deal directly or indirectly with Health Service Waste, to create awareness and change habits.
 Originality/Value: Taking measures based on saving resources, preserving the environment, ethics and responsibility can guarantee a healthier future for future generations, where dental professionals learn about the correct management of waste and their participation in maintenance the environmental integrity of the planet.

Exploring the Effects of Greenwashing Concern Between Intention and Behaviour in Sustainable Clothing Choice

The textile industry is expected to use 118 billion cubic meters of water for garment manufacturing worldwide by 2030, posing a serious environmental problem as it works to fulfil the increasing needs of humans while also making extensive use of scarce natural resources. As a result, humans must change how they buy clothes to make it more sustainable. Although humans' conduct when buying environmentally friendly apparel is generally understood, a thorough explanation of their purchase habits is lacking. We expanded the Theory of Reasoned Action by incorporating novel constructs derived from prior exploratory findings, such as greenwashing, and established constructs from prior literature, such as perceived environmental knowledge and environmental concerns, to address this gap and explore the factors influencing the purchase behaviour of sustainable clothing. The study shows that attitude toward eco-friendly apparel is the most important factor influencing buying intention. However, humans' worries about greenwashing have a detrimental impact on this connection. Our research indicates that the intention-behavior link is influenced by perceived environmental knowledge and environmental concerns.

Change agents’ cognitive maps of circular supply chain transition – An investigation of barriers, actions, and outcomes

Integrating circular principles into supply chains (SCs) is a significant challenge for many managers aiming to decouple their organizations’ activities from the use of natural resources and environmental degradation. Despite increasing research focusing on the circular economy (CE), little attention has been given to individuals’ interpretations of the circular transition and their own transition strategies. This interpretivist qualitative study provides insights into the managerial sensemaking of the circular SC transition, including the barriers faced and the strategic actions taken to overcome the barriers and realize desired outcomes. Semi-structured interviews with 19 change agents were combined with a cognitive mapping approach. The individual cognitive structures were synthesized into an overarching sensemaking map that captured the informants’ perceptions and social construction of the circular SC transition. The findings reveal four shared cognitive frames (i.e., the most plausible schemes) held by change agents: (1) SC cooperation, (2) circular business models, (3) circular design, and (4) material choice. Moreover, we develop a framework that highlights how sensemaking contributes to the calibration of cognitive frames and the strategies pursued by individuals. We contribute to the literature by providing insights into change agents’ social construction and perceptions of the circular SC transition and propose key takeaways for practitioners and policymakers.

New Generation Nanoadsorbents and Conventional Techniques for Arsenic Removal from Waters

Nowadays, with excessive use due to rapid population growth, growing industry, and technological developments, environmental pollution is also increasing and is reaching a point where it threatens the health of humans. The alarming increase in environmental pollution is mostly seen in the form of water pollution. Water pollution has reached levels that threaten human health. There are difficulties in accessing clean water in many parts of the world as a result of restricting the use of natural water resources polluted by both human activities and natural causes. Therefore, intense efforts are made to remove especially heavy metals and other harmful substances that pollute water. Among these toxic heavy metals threatening the health of humans, arsenic is at the top of the list as the most dangerous one. In recent years, many methods and techniques have been developed in addition to classical methods for removing pollutants from water. In this study, conventional methods used in the treatment of arsenic-contaminated waters, the difficulties encountered in the removal process, and the advantages and disadvantages of the methods were critically reviewed in the light of current and past information. In addition, detailed comparative information is given about nano-sized adsorbents, which is an innovative approach used in the adsorption method, one of the arsenic removal methods.

Концессионное природопользование в Евро-Арктической зоне России в 1920-е годы: эколого-экономический и исторический аспект

The article provides a retrospective analysis of the development of concessions in the European North of Russia, showing their impact on economic development and the state of the environment. The purpose of the research is to study the experience of transferring the raw materials resources of the European north of Russia in concession to foreign entrepreneurs in the 1920s to attract investment in the implementation of projects for proper and economically efficient use of natural resources. The author considers forestry, fishing and fur-trading concessions as the object of the study. Based on the analysis of various published and archival sources the author reveals that the concessionaires, in the interests of obtaining income, violated state laws, including environmental laws. Critical analysis of the activities of foreign concessions creates a scientific basis for the implementation of national economic projects, and gives impetus to the development of domestic environmental science. The results of the study on the use of the experience of concessional environmental management are due to be applied in developing measures to prevent the negative impact of Arctic development on the environment, to attract investments, including foreign ones, to harmonize the interests of business and the local population.

‘The Trees are the Clothes of the Church’: Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church-Forests as Spiritual Spaces of Resilience against Climate Change?

In times of ecological crises, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church-forests are, as many suggest, sacred spaces of resilience and restoration. The need for community forest management and sustainable use of natural resources is said to be based on an ‘eco-theology of Edenic forests’ so, we ask, What can be said about conceptually defined entanglements between the theological perspective on so-called forest-churches and the ecologically oriented perspective that applies to so-called church-forests? What is the history and the present self-understanding of this phenomenon? Does it have a global dimension? How does a sacred text like Śənä Fəṭrät, with its theocentric theology and its reference to biblical testimony, create ‘sacred spaces’ in nature? The socio-ethical dimension of these church-forests is of high concern. For this, with an interdisciplinary focus, I refer to results given by existing research on the interrelations of oriental-orthodox theology, including its miaphysite Christology. Such an understanding includes reference to church architecture, biology, sociology, and on forestry in those areas of forest-churches. So we want to understand the specific religious and cultural significance of Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo church-forests. The relevance of these unique sacred groves cannot easily be compared to examples in other religions. But we may at least draw conclusions from other forms of Christianity and religiosity and their interpretation of common biblical and dogmatic traditions referring to the ‘creation of God’.

SUSTAINABLE URBAN ARCHITECTURAL REHABILITATION OF AIRPORT INFRASTRUCTURES

This paper presents a proposal for the sustainable urban-architectural rehabilitation of the former Quito airport building in Ecuador. The research focuses on exploring the implementation of nature-based solutions to optimize environmental performance and mitigate the impacts of climate change at the urban scale. Additionally, sustainable, and bioclimatic design strategies are investigated to enhance energy efficiency and resource consumption at the architectural scale. A notable aspect of the rehabilitation of the existing building is the use of glued laminated timber as the main material. This construction system has become an increasingly popular solution due to its technical, aesthetic, and environmental advantages, positioning it as a sustainable alternative capable of significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with construction. This approach not only enables the conversion of an obsolete urban area but also contributes to the preservation of important architectural heritage, making this proposal a flagship project in the responsible use of renewable natural resources in the construction industry.

Multivectority of ecological and economic assessment of water resources of Ukraine

The financial and economic mechanism of balanced use of natural resources includes a wide specification of environmental, organizational, economic and financial instruments. The author's vision of the multi-vector nature of the ecological and economic assessment of water resources is outlined, which is a comprehensive approach to the analysis of the use and management of water resources for making informed decisions with the determination of priorities for Ukraine. It is substantiated that formation of fundamental scientific bases for the evaluation of water resources of Ukraine should be based on the use of ecological and economic approaches, in particular: ecological dimension, economic analysis, social dimension, technical analysis, legal and regulatory context, risk analysis, climate change analysis, water infrastructure projects, water conflict management, environmental impact monitoring and assessment, alternative scenarios. A study of publicly available data on the assessment of the use of water resources of Ukraine was conducted. Based on the results of the study, we proposed the structure of a multi-vector model of the tools of the ecological and economic mechanism of water resources assessment, which is systematized according to interrelated instrumental blocks: ecological dimension — assessment of the impact of any water projects or activities on natural ecosystems, aquatic biological resources, and water quality; economic analysis — consideration of economic indicators; social dimension — assessment of the impact of projects on society; technical analysis — analysis of technical solutions, engineering aspects and technological parameters of water projects; legal and regulatory context — consideration of relevant legislative and regulatory requirements; analysis — risk assessment of possible risks and development of strategies for their management. The ecological and economic approach helps ensure balanced use of water resources, taking into account the needs of humanity and the requirements of the environment. On the basis of the multi-vector nature of the ecological and economic assessment of water resources, recommendations on environmental protection, optimal use of resources, social impact of projects, risk management strategies and other important aspects can be provided. The author's approach to theoretical-methodological approaches and methodological provisions regarding the formation of a model of tools for the ecological-economic mechanism of water resources assessment, the effective influence of which is aimed at balancing the ecological, economic and social components of the use of water resources of Ukraine, is proposed. It is substantiated that the functioning of multi-directional tools of the ecological and economic mechanism will ensure both greening and increasing the economic and social effectiveness of the use of water resources, the consolidation of management aspects around strategic tasks and priorities determined by the Basic principles of the state environmental policy of Ukraine for the period up to 2030.

ENVIRONMENTAL JURISPRUDENCE IN INDIA: SPECIAL CONTEXT OF DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS AND THE PLACE FOR COMMUNITY IN IT

The environment and natural resources are affecting (deteriorating) at a rapid pace with (modernization), industrialization, urbanization and many other factors which is degrading the environment. The natural resources are being exploited, the natural energy forces are depleting and other types of pollution of water, air, sound, nature is taking place for unsustainable economic growth model developed by us. All these changes are in turn degrading the quality of life human lives. In order to control and put checks and balances on the degradation of the environment and the use of natural resources and energy usage, our judiciary took various steps to protect the environment which also led to the enactment of various legislations and guidelines along with establishment of specified judicial bodies such as national Green Tribunal for dealing with the environmental issues. This paper is an attempt to highlight and discuss the role played by judiciary in protecting the environment and preserving its sustainability.

СУЧАСНІ МЕТОДИ ПОСІВУ ЗЕРНОВИХ КУЛЬТУР

Analyzing the latest innovations and technological improvements, the article aims to highlight the trends that determine the efficiency and stability of yields in the grain sector. The article examines digital and agricultural technologies that allow agricultural producers to optimize the processes of sowing grain crops. Digital solutions such as data analysis, artificial intelligence and the use of modern agricultural sensors are seen as key tools to improve productivity and optimize resources. Geospatial analysis, taking into account environmental aspects and ensuring sustainable development are also becoming an object of research. The article examines in detail how the use of geographic information systems and the latest ecologically oriented practices can contribute to agriculture that uses resources efficiently and preserves the environment. This article is designed to consider modern methods of sowing grain crops, which define a new stage in the development of the agricultural sector. We will explore innovative strategies, from digital analytics to geospatial solutions, that maximize crop efficiency and promote sustainable use of natural resources. The general emphasis of the article is to highlight promising and practically significant aspects of the use of modern methods of sowing grain crops. The article also considers the challenges that may arise when implementing the latest technologies and provides recommendations for their successful implementation in the agricultural sector.

Millets as nutri-cereals and its health benefits: an overview

Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans, possibly the first cereal grain used for dietary. Since ancient times, millet has been widely consumed in Asia and India. Although millets are highly nutritious, their consumption still needs to be improved in the general and poor population due to less awareness regarding their nutritional values and health benefits. With changing food habits, increasing population, and uncontrolled use of natural resources, providing nutritious food to all is challenging. Natural plant resources are quickly depleting, and we must explore new alternatives. Besides the usual rice and wheat, many underutilized millets are less consumed, with great potential to replace routine cereal crops. Millets are one of the significantly underutilized crops with a nutri-cereal potential. Regular and excess consumption of common cereals contributed to developing and increasing the burden of lifestyle diseases. Millets are highly nutritious, gluten-free, and have rich dietary properties. Millets are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibres, energy, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B and minerals which help to prevent diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cancer, cardiovascular diseases. Cereal-based food products are supplemented with millet and have become popular due to nutritional and economic advantages. The millets have fostered immunity and health to continue the fight against malnutrition in children and adolescents. Ultimately, millet consumption furthers nutrition, food security and the welfare of farmers. This review furnishes crucial information about the compounds found in millets, highlighting their nutraceutical properties, health benefits, and other therapeutically significant elements that classify them as nutri-cereals.

Provisioning services decline for both people and Critically Endangered wildlife in a rainforest transformation landscape

Abstract The loss and degradation of forests and other ecosystems worldwide threaten both global biodiversity and the livelihoods of people who use natural resources. Understanding how natural resource use impacts landscape provisioning services for both people and wildlife is thus critical for designing comprehensive resource management strategies. We used data from community focus groups, botanical plots and an inventory of plant species consumed by the Critically Endangered red‐ruffed lemur (Varecia rubra) to assess the availability of key provisioning services for people and endemic wildlife on the Masoala Peninsula, a rainforest transformation landscape, in northeastern Madagascar (Masoala National Park and 13 surrounding communities). We constructed Poisson regression mixed models to evaluate the impact of community factors (i.e. community population size, plot distance to community) and changes over time on the count and species richness of timber trees, medicinal plants and red‐ruffed lemur food trees within botanical plots. Over three‐quarters of all plant species could be used for at least one purpose by local communities (n = 238 species). Of the 59 V. rubra food tree species, only 15% had no reported human use. Timber and ruffed lemur food tree availability declined both with community population size and time and were predicted to be lower outside of Masoala National Park. In contrast, medicinal plant availability was not strongly predicted by any tested factors. Provisioning service availability also differed strongly across sites, suggesting that additional, untested proxies of human pressure likely also have an effect. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating natural resource availability from a community‐based perspective and by resource purpose to inform forest landscape restoration efforts that can support both people and wildlife. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Identification of the impact of electric pulse action on the disintegration of a natural mineral

The work is devoted to the study of the electric pulse disintegration of a natural mineral. The object of the study is the natural mineral quartzite of the Aktas deposit of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For the destruction and grinding of quartzite, a working cell of an electric pulse unit was developed. Electric pulse crushing is a modern technique for grinding a variety of materials, which provides the desired degree of grinding with a certain granulometric composition of the product and has a high ability of selective crushing. With the help of this technology, quartzite grinding was carried out with an increase in the capacity of capacitor banks from 0.25 mF to 1 mF, the pulse discharge voltage changed from 20 kV to 30 kV, the number of pulse discharges from 500 to 1,000, the inner diameter of the working cell from 60 mm to 80 mm. The results of the disintegration of a natural mineral by the electric pulse method allowed us to determine the degree of grinding of the finished product. The obtained results can be used in the study and optimization of the extraction of natural minerals, which is important for ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources and balanced economic development. Crushed quartzite is used in various industries, including the production of optical fibers, electronics and photovoltaic devices. A material with a particle diameter of 0.1 to 0.4 millimeters is used to create glass, ceramic and porcelain products, as well as insulation materials. Due to its homogeneous composition containing up to 98 % silicon oxide (SiO2) and excellent absorbent properties, quartz sand is also used as a filter material for water purification

The European Green Deal: Implications for Turkey

ABSTRACT Hunger, food insecurity and the ill-informed use of natural resources are issues that concern the whole world, while the excessive use of chemicals, the increasing demands for food, climate change and political instability are posing significant challenges to existing food systems and sustainability. The Green New Deal (GND) seeks to resolve these problems and to support the positive transformation of the agriculture and food sectors. Turkey can be considered an ideal country for an analysis of the GND concept and for understanding its potential impact on the agricultural and food sectors, given its population in the region of 82 million, and its status as the second most populous Mediterranean country. The present study analyzes how the agricultural and food sectors will be affected by the GND, and clarifies the current status of the agricultural and food sectors in Turkey to understand what needs to be done to meet the GND goals. The adverse conditions in Turkey that are of particular note include the lack of R&D activity in the field of renewable energy; micro-scale food security issues; instability in agricultural policy; high inflation affecting food prices; and food losses and problems related to food fraud.

Market–community collaborative wildlife management in Malawi: subjectivities and shifting configurations of protests and celebrations

SummaryAlthough wildlife management models across the world have since the early 1980s shifted from top-down fortress conservation to different labels of people-friendly community-based conservation, their outcomes remain contested. This paper explores how, and in whose interests, approaches to wildlife conservation in Malawi have been reconfigured from fortress conservation to market–community collaborative management. Based on qualitative field data, we demonstrate how varying levels of community participation in the processes of wildlife conservation transformed the identities and interests of powerful groups of people regarding wildlife conservation in the Majete Wildlife Reserve. We highlight how commodification and monetarization of wildlife conservation served the interests of the emergent powerful groups whilst marginalizing those of the weak. The work indicates how new community identities with regard to wildlife conservation mask the power hegemonies that dictate mechanisms of inclusion and exclusion regarding natural resource use.