Sustainable resource management
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Question
Define sustainable resource management.
Answer
Sustainable resource management is using resources at a rate that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
💡 Hint
Present + future
Question
What does “intergenerational equity” mean?
Answer
Resources should be managed so future generations have access to natural capital and ecosystem services, not depleted by present use.
💡 Hint
Future generations matter
Question
Give two regulatory approaches for resource management.
Answer
Examples include quotas (limits on extraction) and protected areas (no-extraction zones), plus legislation like EIA requirements.
💡 Hint
Rules & limits
Question
What is a certification scheme? Give one example.
Answer
A certification scheme sets sustainability standards and labels compliant products, e.g., FSC (timber) or MSC (fish).
💡 Hint
FSC/MSC
Question
What are the three pillars of sustainability?
Answer
Environmental (ecosystem health), economic (long-term viability), and social (equity and wellbeing).
💡 Hint
Env + Econ + Social
Question
List one regulatory, one economic, and one behavioural strategy for sustainability.
Answer
Regulatory: quotas/protected areas. Economic: taxes/subsidies/permits. Behavioural: demand reduction, reuse, and recycling habits.
💡 Hint
One from each bucket
Question
Give two economic instruments for sustainable management.
Answer
Taxes/levies (pollution charges), subsidies for sustainable alternatives, tradeable permits, or payment for ecosystem services (PES).
💡 Hint
Money changes behaviour
Question
State the precautionary principle.
Answer
Act to prevent serious harm even if scientific evidence is incomplete or uncertain.
💡 Hint
Prevent harm under uncertainty
Question
Why is equity an evaluation criterion?
Answer
A strategy may be effective but unfair if costs fall on vulnerable groups; equitable strategies improve acceptance and long-term success.
💡 Hint
Fair distribution
Question
State the polluter pays principle.
Answer
Those who cause pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
💡 Hint
Costs belong to polluter
Question
What is meant by “scalability” in management strategies?
Answer
Scalability is whether a strategy can be expanded to larger areas or populations while remaining effective and affordable.
💡 Hint
Works bigger?
Question
What is a circular economy strategy for resources?
Answer
Design products for reuse, repair, and recycling so materials stay in use longer and waste is minimised.
💡 Hint
Keep materials in use
Question
Name four evaluation criteria for management strategies.
Answer
Effectiveness, cost, feasibility/enforcement, equity (who pays/benefits), time scale, and side effects/co-benefits.
💡 Hint
Pick 4 criteria
Question
Define maximum sustainable yield (MSY).
Answer
MSY is the largest harvest that can be taken indefinitely without depleting the resource, assuming the stock can regenerate.
💡 Hint
Largest sustainable harvest
Question
What’s a strong essay structure for evaluating sustainable management?
Answer
Define sustainability, present multiple strategies (regulatory/economic/tech/behaviour), evaluate each using criteria, then conclude with a justified recommendation.
💡 Hint
Define → strategies → evaluate → conclude
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Full study notes for Sustainable resource management
Topic 7.1 hub
Natural resources—uses and management
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