Introduction
Natural resources are those resources that occur naturally around us, on which we depend for survival. These include water, agriculture, wildlife, etc. (Murphy, S., 2008). All these resources are possessions that are of immense use to us humans, provided we utilize, manage and restore them the proper way.
Natural resources are assets of nature bestowed upon people, present all around, in the bush, in oceans, in towns, cities, and in forests (“Natural Resource Management in South Australia”, 2008). There are some countries which are naturally very resourceful, as compared to others. The climates and conditions of certain areas are better, thereby producing better and more resources. Canada is one such country, which is abundant in natural resources, which provide many advantages in diverse ways.
Canada’s Natural Resources
Canada has certain sectors of natural resources, like forests, energy, minerals, and metals, which are of immense importance to the economy, and to the society as a whole. The benefits attained due to the existence of these resources are many, providing economic and social profits to the people. The natural resources have significantly produced employment opportunities for new generations, giving rise to upcoming businesses, with full flourishing results. Not only have these resources benefited the country, but Canada has also assisted other countries due to its massive export projects, pertaining to natural resources (“Canada’s Natural Resources”, 2008).
Since the world is becoming a global investment market, Canada has to face many challenges due to the rising competition. Many strategies have to be developed further for the sustenance of natural resource development. There are efforts being put in for further growth of the economy through the prevailing resources, with certain bodies being established for shaping their contributions to the lives of the Canadians.
Natural Resources Canada
The government of Canada has a department named the ‘Natural Resources Canada’, which is responsible for the resources present in the country, and their proper and appropriate usage. This department plays a pivotal role in developing policies and strategies for the utilization and distribution of resources, in order to attain the maximum benefits from them, in industry and otherwise.
Natural Resources Canada (NRC), has expertise in Earth sciences and science and technology, which assists them in their program developments (“Canada’s Natural Resources”, 2008). With the vision to make Canada the world’s “smartest” natural resources developer, along with being the most ‘environmentally friendly, socially responsible, productive and competitive’ nation, Natural Resources Canada endorses the resources with a good perceptive of the landmass. This body works for the best use of the resources, keeping in mind the factors that are significant for the maximizing of the economy while sustaining the good health of the people and environment.
Science and technology account for 75% of the department’s spending. The aim of this sector is to win in the economic race, with maximum use of science and technology wherever need be. The action plans undertaken by the NRC, include:
- Creating national consensus
- Tackling with changes in climate
- Expansion of employment opportunities
- Increasing resource trade ventures
- Stimulating innovation in resources
The current science capacity is additionally being promoted and increased, which is inclusive of scientific research, and related scientific activities, like the infrastructure of labs, information technology, and mechanism related to business. These also include the mechanisms involved in imparting knowledge and technology and the areas associated with business and communication (“Natural Resources Canada”, 2008).
Vision and Values
Canada has been known for its forests ever since its emergence. The inhabitants have been dependent on forests since time immemorial. Most of the forest area is owned by the public, and 71% is controlled by provinces. The ecosystems of these forests provide a home to a variety of microorganisms, and wildlife.
A large number of people work for the wood and paper industry, which are direct extracts from the forests. These industries pay a huge amount of approximately $11 billion to wages, per annum. A sustainable wood supply is essential for Canada’s economy to keep running, due to the rise in competition. Canada is now playing an international role in defining and measuring forest sustainability. Along with 11 other countries, collaboration has been made for the conservation and development of forests outside Europe (“Canadian National Forest Strategy”).
A strategy has been made in order to conserve the forests, which have been brought to the people as a legacy, and which is to be maintained by the current populations for the upcoming generations. For the further progress of the economy through natural resources such as forests, it is important to keep some views and aims in mind, to ensure sustenance. All resources need to be managed well or they could be misused and may go to waste if not handled the right way.
The Strategy
The natural forest strategy that is being mentioned here is one that has been made to show the global commitment of Canadians to the sustenance of forests. With the goal to produce optimum health for forest ecosystems, the goal is to come up with an environmentally friendly nation, as well economic benefits for both the present and future generations.
Sustainable forest management is what the Canadians are now striving for throughout the nation, with the rise of strong feelings for upcoming generations too. If forests are not conserved at present, there will be nothing left for future generations, as Canada’s economy is largely based on the forest industry, which provides immeasurable benefits.
The management of forests includes various aspects, such as, carrying out activities that maintain the honor, productivity, pliability, and biodiversity of the forest ecosystems. This encompasses plans to maintain the ecosystems which are related to the lives of the soil, plants, and wildlife present in these forests.
The landscapes need to be conserved in order to save the wide array of plants and animals in the forests of Canada. Protection should be provided to such areas, especially those with unique and distinguishing characteristics.
The natural resilience of forests is reciprocal to the renewal that takes place. The factors that cause trees to die include fires, insects, and age. These form new conditions for other species to survive in, causing resilience in the forest ecosystems. This needs to be maintained in order to adapt to global disturbances that may arise. The aim should be to provide protection during climatic changes, or due to the effects of pollution, and their after-effects. This is a significant part of forest sustenance.
The ecosystem-based forest management includes the controlling of the landscapes, ecosystem processes, wildlife, and human activities. Cooperation on a regional level has to be acquired in order to fulfill the aims of the Canadians to maintain the country’s economic, social, and cultural objectives.
Knowledge regarding the adverse effects of climate change and human activities needs to be attained, for the support of the ecosystems and their survival. The aims and objectives of the strategies made, and their implementation, need to be explained, and performances need to be monitored religiously, in order to achieve the objectives that have been set. The Montreal Process is the report which has been collaborated by a number of countries containing the world’s largest number of forests; it consists of points and indicators for maintaining and upgrading the ecosystems prevailing in countries (“Canadian National Forest Strategy”).
Deforestation has to come to a stop for further growth of resources attained through forests. The existent natural resources are a provision of further resources for people, whose lives are based upon these elements. The need to manage the resources in the best possible way is of utmost importance to carry on further with economic progression. The committees that are working for the conservation of forests need to be in unison with one another for producing good results.
Conclusion
For the economic welfare of the country, along with the respect of social values pertaining to forestation, it is imperative to attend to the needs for the revival of forests in Canada. Canada is a country full of natural resources, the topmost being forests. These forests need to be taken care of and managed well by setting up strategies and plans for their growth, and for the number of gains they produce, not only in the country but also the world over.
References
Canadian National Forest Strategy. 2008. Web.
Murphy, S. Statistics Canada 2008. Web.
Natural Resources Canada 2008. Web.
Natural Resource Management in South Australia 2008. Web.