loodusvarude

Loodusvarud, or natural resources, are materials and energy that occur in the natural environment and have value for humans. They include physical resources such as minerals, fuels, timber, water, and soil, as well as ecosystem services provided by biodiversity and landscapes, such as pollination, climate regulation, and recreational value. Natural resources are typically categorized as renewable or non-renewable, depending on their capacity to replenish and the rate at which they are exploited. Renewable resources include forests, freshwater, soil nutrients, and energy sources like sun and wind, which can be replenished over time. Non-renewable resources include minerals, fossil fuels, and peat, which form over geological timescales and may be depleted by current consumption.

Economically, natural resources contribute to productive activity, energy security, and export earnings, and they influence land use and environmental quality. Proper management aims to balance extraction with regeneration and conservation, supporting sustainable development. This involves measuring reserves and resources, setting extraction limits, applying environmental assessments, and enforcing laws and property rights. In many regions, natural resources are governed through national frameworks and international instruments, reflecting considerations such as environmental protection, indigenous rights, and climate policy. The sustainable use of loodusvarud seeks to maximize social and economic benefits while maintaining ecosystem health and resilience for future generations.