Natural resources are elements of the natural environment that are utilized to meet human needs—such as water, land, forests, minerals, soil, and energy sources. Proper planning ensures efficient use, conservation, and sustainability of these resources in settlements and urban development.
1️⃣ Types of Natural Resources in Planning Context
| Resource Type | Examples | Planning Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Land | Agricultural land, urban land, wetlands | Land-use planning, zoning, soil conservation, preventing urban sprawl |
| Water | Rivers, lakes, groundwater, rainwater | Water supply, drainage, flood control, rainwater harvesting |
| Forests & Vegetation | Trees, green belts, parks | Urban greening, climate moderation, biodiversity, recreation |
| Minerals & Energy | Coal, oil, solar, wind | Location of industries, renewable energy planning, sustainability |
| Air & Climate | Wind, solar radiation, temperature | Orientation of buildings, ventilation, renewable energy potential |
2️⃣ Role of Natural Resources in Planning
- Land Planning
- Identify suitable areas for development vs. conservation.
- Preserve fertile agricultural land and forest cover.
- Avoid construction in floodplains, wetlands, or ecologically sensitive areas.
- Water Resource Management
- Ensure adequate water supply for residential, industrial, and recreational use.
- Integrate stormwater drainage and flood mitigation.
- Promote rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge.
- Energy Planning
- Identify potential for renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydro.
- Plan for energy-efficient buildings and infrastructure.
- Environmental Sustainability
- Maintain green spaces for urban cooling, recreation, and air purification.
- Plan for waste management and pollution control to protect soil, water, and air.
- Disaster Risk Management
- Analyze resource vulnerability: rivers prone to flooding, landslide-prone areas, drought-prone zones.
- Plan settlements away from high-risk areas and integrate mitigation measures.
3️⃣ Integration with Urban and Regional Planning
| Planning Component | Integration with Natural Resources |
|---|---|
| Land-use planning | Avoid ecologically sensitive zones, preserve agricultural land |
| Housing & settlements | Water and energy-efficient design, orientation for sunlight and wind |
| Transport networks | Minimize land degradation, preserve wetlands/forests |
| Industry & economy | Locate resource-intensive industries near raw materials sustainably |
| Recreation & open spaces | Urban forests, parks, riverside promenades for ecological and social benefits |
4️⃣ Key Principles for Resource-Based Planning
- Sustainable Use – Ensure resources meet current needs without compromising future availability.
- Conservation – Protect forests, water bodies, soil, and biodiversity.
- Integration – Incorporate resource management into land-use, infrastructure, and urban design.
- Equity – Provide fair access to natural resources for all communities.
- Risk Assessment – Consider natural hazards (floods, droughts) in development plans.
✅ In summary:
- Natural resources form the foundation for all planning activities.
- Planning must balance development with conservation.
- Sustainable, resource-conscious planning ensures environmental protection, social welfare, and long-term economic viability.
