e) Pals/Friends
Parents should not play the role of autocratic controllers in their family.
They should be friendly towards their children so the children can put
their problems forward freely and frankly to their parents. In such a
situation, parents will get time to improve their children easily. If the
children are in some problem or in wrong way, they can be corrected in
time.
5.3 Marriage: Introduction
Marriage is an essential factor of human life in every society and religion.
Marriage is a legal union of male and female to form a family. Marriage helps
to give continuity of life cycle of human being on the earth. In other words,
marriage is legal, biological, psychological, social, and eternal2 relationship
between male and female individuals as husband and wife (spouses) that
is generally established with a legal, cultural or religious procedure. It is
believed that the concept of marriage developed with the development of
human civilization and existence of community.
Purpose of Marriage
Marriage means the creation of a new nuclear family and way of life.
Purpose of marriage can be listed as below:
i. To be get children
ii. To continue dynasty and generation
iv. To live in harmony and cooperation with a union of two opposite sexes
v. To form a new family for convenience to fulfil basic needs
vi. To satisfy the sex drive in legally and socially accepted way
Forms of marriage:
Every society and religion has different concepts and traditions of
marriage. Mainly, there are two forms of marriage found in various parts of
the world. They are monogamy and polygamy.
a) Monogamy
This term is composed of two root words; ‘mono’ and ‘gamy',
Mono : one or single
Gamy : union
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Thus, etymology of the term suggests its meaning as union with single
spouse . Monogamy is a form of marriage where there are only two
members as married partners at a time. There is no more than one spouse
for a single individual. This form of marriage is widely accepted and
popular all over the world.
b) Polygamy
This term has two root words. ‘Poly’ means many and ‘gamy’ means
union. Polygamy is a form of marriage, where there are two or more than
two spouses for a single individual. Polygamy may be of two types:
• Multi-husband polygamy (Polyandry): It is a form of marriage where a
single woman has two or more husbands at the same time. This system
is still in practice in Mustang district of Nepal.
• Multi-wives polygamy (Polygamy): It is a form of marriage where there
are two or more wives of a single man at the same time. It is also rarely
found in various places.
5.3.1 Types of Marriage
There are many types of marriage in practice in Nepal. Some of them are
rarely practised and some are practised widely all over the world. They are
love marriage arrange marriage, and court marriage.
a) Love marriage
It is the most popular type of marriage these days. In this type, girl and
boy introduce with each other, they are attracted, and decide to marry.
b) Arrange marriage
It is widely accepted and practised in Nepali society. In this type of
marriage, parents of both parties meet each other and take decision about
their children’s marriage.
c) Court marriage
This is a new concept of marriage. It is fixed as per the existing law of
the concerned country. The boy and girl present themselves in front of
the concerned authority and are bound themselves as husband and wife
according to legal procedure and registration of marriage.
Except the above-mentioned types of marriage, there are other types of
marriage which are more specific to Nepali society. They originated from
Nepali cultural, religious, and social practices.
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a) Marriage by giving nut (Supari Bibaha)
It is prevalent in the hilly region of Nepal among some ethnic groups.
In this marriage, nut is given to girl’s party by the boy’s party as a
confirmation of marriage.
b) Marriage by request (Magi Bibaha)
It is a type of arranged marriage. In this marriage, the boy’s party goes to
girl's house and proposes the girl’s guardians for their daughter’s hand.
c) Marriage by taking away secretly (Chori Bibaha)
This type of marriage is done by taking the girl secretly away by the boy
without any consent of parents and girl.
d) Levirate marriage (Bhauju Behorne Bibaha)
In this type of marriage, younger brother gets married with the wife of
elder brother after his death.
e) Widow marriage
This type of marriage is done between a man and a married woman
whose husband has died.
f) Marriage by performance (Gandharba Bibaha)
Marriage by performance is done by impressing the girl with an
extraordinary performance in dancing, singing, playing, etc.
g) Marriage by paying the fine (Jari Bibaha)
This is a strange type of marriage done between a man and other’s wife.
The man pays certain sum of fine to the previous husband for taking his
wife away.
In some cases, we find marriage influenced by the political activities.
Stage marriage is one example which is done in political stages with
politically guided vows.
5.3.2 Age at Marriage
Age at marriage denotes the meaning of appropriate age at marriage. Ap-
propriate age at marriage can be determined on few bases as given below:
a) Age at marriage from the point of view of reproductive health
This is a suitable age of marriage from reproductive point of view. Reproductive
power or fecundity begins earlier in girls than boys. It starts from the first
menstrual phase or menarche in girls and during puberty stage in boys. As soon
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as they gain fecundity power, they are not capable Early Marriage
of producing healthy baby with sound health. A girl
should develop various internal strengths to hold the
fetus and to create appropriate environment inside
her womb to produce a healthy baby. Therefore,
attainment of fecundity is not regarded as the time
to become pregnant. From the reproductive point
of view, appropriate age at marriage is 20 years for
girls and it is 25 years for boys. Marriage after 35
years of age is not considered suitable for females
from the point of view of reproductive health
because the inner strength of fetus-bearing capacity
declines due to the effects of ageing.
b) Age at marriage from the point of view of legal provisions in Nepal
Civil Code5 of Nepal had some discriminative provisions between boys and
girls in the past. But recent amendment in the Civil Code has eliminated gender
discrimination. Though, there are similar provisions for legal age at marriage
for both the boys and girls, they are made conditional on the basis of parents’
consent. They are:
• With consent of parents: 18 years. (For boys and girls both)
• Regardless of consent of parents: 20 years.
5.3.3 Disadvantages of Early Marriage for Women and Men
Marriage at early age brings several problems in different aspects of family
life. If the boy and girl engage in marital relation in their early age, they
cannot get enough time and opportunities to develop their carrier. Some of
the disadvantages of early marriage are listed below:
i. Less time for education
ii. Less time for career building
iii. Lack of competences in facing the family problem
iv. Deterioration of reproductive health
v. Dependency upon others from economic point of view
vi. Possibility of high maternal and child death rate
vii. Lack of understanding and convincing skills.
viii. Disputes between couple
ix. Chances of large family size
104 Health, Population and Environment - 9
5.3.5 Advantages of Proper Age at Marriage
Looking at the above-mentioned disadvantages of early marriage, we can
think of many advantages of marriage at proper age. Few of them are listed
as below:
• Enough time for education and training
• Develop the income generating skills and power
• Sound mental development
• Easy to maintain family size
• Less chance of disputes and divorce
• Can develop power to tackle the family problems easily
• Low risk of maternal and child death)
5.4 Planning of the Family
Families must have proper plans to run ahead. Wise parents make long-
term vision of future events and circumstances and design plans and strat-
egies accordingly at present. There are several important things to be taken
into considerations to make a family successful. Planning of family refers
to the process of making appropriate and wise strategies to run the family
smoothly regarding various family matters like nutrition, size of family,
contraception, maternal and child health (MCH) care, fulfilment of basic
needs, education, and so on.
Major objectives of planning of family are:
• To have happy life
• To maintain a balance between income and expenditure
• To maintain family size
• To maintain appropriate birth spacing
• To avoid unwanted pregnancy
• To control early pregnancy
• To improve quality of life
• To improve maternal and child health
5.4.1 Role of Women in Planning of the Family
Women occupy about half of the total population. This data can be generalized
Health, Population and Environment - 9 105
in almost all families too. Therefore, there must be active involvement of
women in planning of families. In the context of Nepali society, female
members stay at home and are involved in household activities most of the
times. They wake up earlier in the morning, work for sanitation of home and
surroundings, and prepare meal for the whole family, care for children, and
carryout most of the household works. But, they are still suppressed by males.
Male members make most of the family strategies. Women are dragged back
from the decision making level in most of the families. In our society, we have
seen that the family is more systematic, planned, and happy where the status of
female members is high. If the mother of a family is educated and economically
independent, family is found to be well-planned. In such a situation, parents
can maintain proper birth spacing and care of the children. Also, they can make
their children healthy and active. Involvement of women helps to improve the
life standard within the families. Some importance of involvement of women
in planning the families are:
a) Happy female members in a family help in creating stress-free
environment in and around home. If women are involved in planning,
they can formulate plans to run the family happily.
b) Female members have to care for children. They have nature-gifted
breast milk to feed infants and children. Therefore, their involvement in
planning assists in betterment of infants and child health)
c) A family runs with many day-to-day tasks carried out by female members.
Such tasks can be well managed by their involvement in planning.
d) Women are trusted more than males. They can easily convince and
motivate other members of the community. In this respect, women can
be strong agent for social changes. If they are educated, they can bring
positive changes not only within their families, but in the whole society.
5.4.2 Planning of the Family for Future
Every plan is always associated with future. It is the scheme for achieving
objectives or a method of doing something at present to design the future. All
children of today will become parents in the future. Therefore, they should
be given proper knowledge about the roles and responsibilities of successful
parents. They should be given knowledge about the planning of their future
family structure so that they can be successful parents and change the standard
of their life. The knowledge of planning of family is needed for every youth)
For example: a youth should have knowledge about which profession they
are going to take up in future? Why to get married? What is the proper age at
106 Health, Population and Environment - 9
marriage and pregnancy? How to manage the size of family? How to adopt in
the changing society? How to fulfil the needs of family?
If the child is given such knowledge from the beginning of his school life,
s/he can be well-trained to run the family successfully. They change and
manage their families, societies, and whole countries.
5.5 Ageing and Social Security
5.5.1 Ageing: Introduction
In simple words, ageing is the process of gaining maturity with the passage
of time. In the context of demographic study, ageing is defined as the increase
in elderly share of total population. Biologically, ageing is the process of
losing physical, mental, and other bodily strengths with respect to time. The
development of science and technology has improved the health condition of
human beings. Many diseases are eradicated and people have increased their
life expectancy.
Therefore, the percentage of elderly population is increasing in the world.
Ageing has become a global issue of demographic studies nowadays. It is a
natural process assisted by medical and technological advancement achieved
by human being. In developed countries like Japan, elderly share has become
very high leading to remarkable increment of dependent population.
5.5.2 Causes of Ageing
There are different causes of getting older. Some of them are as follows:
a) Reduction in physical strength and power
Due to the lack of nutritious food, loss of digestive function, and lack of proper
Health, Population and Environment - 9 107
exercises and rest, people lose physical strength and power. Ultimately, it
causes ageing in them.
b) Increase in mental stress and tension
Nowadays, people have multidimensional stress in their life. They take too
much mental burden. Increase in such mental stress affects physiological
phenomenon adversely releasing harmful toxins in human body. It causes
ageing.
c) Gradual loss of immune power
Immune power is the strength of human body to fight against foreign germs
and toxic materials. With the passage of time, immune power is lost and
prevalence of diseases increases. It assists in the process of ageing.
d) Onset of chronic and acute diseases
Diseases obviously decrease the natural function of human body. If there is an
onset of disease in any part of the body, it leaves negative effect in that part. It
results in decrease in strength and function too. Thus, the onset of chronic and
acute diseases accelerates ageing.
5.5.3 Changes in Ageing
As people grow older, there appear several changes in them. These changes
can be divided into five parts. The changes in ageing are:
a) Physical changes
• Wrinkle and dry skin
• Gray hair
• Loss of sensations (touch, hearing, vision, taste, smell sensations)
• Stoop backbone
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue, tiredness
• Difficulty in respiration
b) Mental Changes
• Loss of creativity
• Loss of memory
• Inefficiency in solving problems
• Feeling of loneliness
108 Health, Population and Environment - 9
• Inclined affinity towards paraphysical6 existences like God and soul
• Anxiety
• Lack of decision power
c) Social changes
• Lack of adjustment with new social trends
• Lack of understanding new social norms and
values
• Change in the social position and dignity
• Increase in social prestige and respect
• Involvement in religious and social works
• Lack of involvement in social works and
activities
• Increased feeling of loneliness
d) Emotional Changes
• Quick tempered behaviour
• Lack of interests and curiosities in new
matters
• Loss of happiness, lack of participation in
recreational activities
e) Economic Changes
• Loss of income sources
• Lack of financial resources
• Increased economic security
5.5.4 Problems of Ageing
Old age is very sensitive and feeble period of life. In this age, people face several
problems related to mental, physical, social, and economic aspects. Some of the
problems can be mentioned as follows:
a) Old people feel themselves neglected from the family and society. They
are not honored in society or gradually lose their position and prestige in
the society. So is the case in family, their children move away from them
one after another.
b) Old people need more rest and freedom from social problems and family
tensions but people have to face more and more family burden and
problems as they grow older. Hence, there are more family burdens in
Health, Population and Environment - 9 109
elderly stage.
c) Elderly people need less but nutritious food). But, because of low
income in their old age, they cannot manage nutritious food. If they do
not get adequate support from others, they become vulnerable due to
malnutrition.
d) Elderly people need more care and affection from their family members
but in practice they become lonely.
e) Elderly people need more hygienic food, clothes, and other factors for
their livelihood but decreasing physical strength makes it difficult for
them to manage these things.
Elderly people cannot participate actively in income generating activities. After
crossing sixty years of age, government employees get retirement and they are
not allowed to continue their job. It is because their working efficiency decreases
at old age and it is not wise to use them for better productivity in works. Ageing
is a universal problem. Every country has been facing this problem more or
less. The problem is serious in developed countries as well as in developing
countries too. In developed country, people are more individualistic and busy.
There is a system of nuclear family. As a result, children move away from
their parents after their marriage or when they become adult. At last, only the
spouses remain alone in the family in their old age.
Naturally, old age is not only the age of decreasing strength but it is also
the age of decreasing economic capacity and growth of mental tension. The
elderly people feel lonely and neglected by their children. So, their life becomes
tiresome, boring, and a life of burden for themselves. The advancement of
medical science has increased the percentage of elderly population. As a result,
especially the developed countries are facing the problem of management of
ageing population. Developing countries are not an exception in this case. The
censuses of different time show the increasing ratio of elderly population in
developing countries too. It has not only created social problem, but also shows
negative effect upon economic activities of the country. The situation of ageing
in Nepal and SAARC region can be studied with the following data.
Population of elderly people in different census (In percent)
Year 2018 BS 2028 BS 2038 BS 2048 BS 2058 BS 2068 BS
60+ Population 5.19 % 5.62% 5.74 % 5.81 % 6.5 % 8.13%
Source: CBS, 2068 BS
110 Health, Population and Environment - 9
The above-given table clarify that the percentage of elderly population is
increasing in every census. It will affect the family structure as well as economic
condition of Nepali family. If this trend continue, Nepal will have to face shortage
of manpower. Larger number of people will have to be supported by less active
population. Such situation will deteriorate living standard of people. It also
causes disturbance in developmental work of the country. The population of
elderly share in Nepal is gradually increasing over each intercensal periods. It
is illustrated with the help of table with data given below:
Life expectancy of Nepali people in different census (In years)
Year 2018 BS 2028 BS 2038 BS 2048 BS 2058 BS 2068 BS
Age 31 years 37 years 45 years 54.4 years 60.7 years 68 years
Source: CBS, 2068 BS
The government has to invest certain amount of national income for the care of
elderly population. For example, to manage elderly home, elderly allowance,
free health services to them, etc. The following table shows the condition of
elderly people of SAARC countries.
Life Expectancy of SAARC Countries in 2006 AD, 2012 AD (In Years)
S.N. Countries 2006 AD Male 2012 AD Average
Average 72 Female 75
1 Sri Lanka
2 Maldives 74 73 78 74
3 Bhutan 68 69
4 India 70 64 74 65
5 Nepal 63 68 69 68
6 Pakistan 63 67
7 Bangladesh 62 64 69 65
8 Afghanistan 68 69
62 48 66 49
61 69
42 49
Source: World Population Data Sheet, 2012 AD
The data show average life span of both genders separately as well as in
aggregate. Naturally, average age span of female is observed more in most
of the cases. Also in all of the SAARC countries, females’ life expectancy is
longer. Sri Lanka has the highest life expectancy, whereas Afghanistan has the
least. Nepal stands in between the medium position. With the passage of time,
life expectancies of all countries have increased. It is due to the higher level of
health services and widely disseminated health education programs.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 111
5.5.5 Caring of Elderly People
As we discussed many problems and concerns
about elderly people, we must be careful in
caring them in families. The following measures
must be followed to provide proper care to
them in families:
a) It is the duty of the state to take care of
elderly people who are destitute and
neglected from their family.
b) Society should give proper respect to the
elderly people and use their knowledge and experiences in constructive
works.
c) Young generation should be loyal to and careful about their parents and
grandparents. They should be close and inquisitive about their problems.
d) Family should create friendly and affectionate environment towards
elderly members.
e) Elderly people should have frequent health check-ups.
f) They should be involved in entertainment and recreational activities for
relaxation. Family members must assist them in such activities.
g) By nature, elderly people like to involve in religious activities. Therefore,
family or community must help in creating religious environment and
functions for them.
5.5.6 Importance of Elderly People
Elderly people are the bases of our present life. Despite the fact that they are
physically weak, we can get several advantages from them. Some of the
importances of elderly people are listed below.
a) Elderly group of people possesses enormous knowledge and experiences
of life. We can learn useful life-skills from them.
b) They are the sources of inspiration for us. Looking at their struggle and
success, we can modify our activities at present.
c) Child care is easy in the joint families with elderly members. They
contribute indirectly in the economic development by freeing adults to
involve in income generating activities.
d) They are the most important tool of the society in inheritance of social
norms and values.
112 Health, Population and Environment - 9
e) They help in propagation of knowledge and information about historical
events of long-term significance.
5.6 Social Security
5.6.1 Introduction to Social Security
Social security is the provision made by the government for the assurance of
care and respect of elderly people of a country. It is an integral part of social
justice of the modern world. The concept of social security came in existence in
sixteenth century in Great Britain. It was, then, practised in the United States of
America and Canada in the 17th century. Nowadays, almost all countries in the
world have made provisions for their own system of social security. Some of
the common features of social security are:
a) Provision of aids for suppressed and marginalized group of population.
b) Provision of protection for people in risk of life.
c) Provision of employment and management of the most essential goods
for poor and helpless people.
5.6.2 Directive Principles of Social Security
Social security system is developed on the basis of following globally
accepted directive principles.
a) to reduce poverty and life-risks
b) to promote the participative concept and social justice
c) to maximize the natural resources
d) to assure the basic services
e. to maintain quality in delivering services
f) to promote social harmony
g) to promote the respectful and prestigious life
The plans and policies made by the states to their citizen are guided by the
above-mentioned directive principles of social security.
5.6.3 Programs of Social Security in Nepal
Nepal government has made different provisions of social security for Nepali
citizen. It is made to facilitate focused group of beneficiaries. Some of the
provisions of social security in Nepal are introduced below:
Health, Population and Environment - 9 113
a) Social Security for Workers: Security of employment, health allowances,
pension, disability allowances etc.
b) Social Security Fund: A certain sum of financial aid is provided to the
defined beneficiaries like elderly people, widows, people with disabilities
etc. It was first started in2052 BS with rupees one hundred per month per
individual. The amount has been increased to rupees two thousand in
the fiscal year 2073/2074 BS.
c) Food Assistance Program: Some food assistance program like food for
work, nutritious tiffin assistance at schools, day meal program etc.
d) Programs for Preservation: Elderly caring homes, orphanage, refugee
camps etc. are included in this group
e) Direct Programs for Social Security: Free health check-up for elderly
people, free TBA(trained birth assistance. serves to pregnant women,
free immunization for children etc. can be included in this group.
114 Health, Population and Environment - 9
Notes
l Family is a group of individuals who share common mess, common roof,
common family norms and values, common religion and various other
socio-cultural characteristics.
l Family life education is the educational process which teaches students
about different aspects and modes in families determining personal as
well as family matters concerned with its members.
l The stages of human life cycle are infancy, babyhood, childhood,
pubescence, adolescence, adulthood and old ages.
l American psychologist Abraham Maslow has given a hierarchy of needs
theory. This theory describes all the needs in five main categories. They are
physiological, safety, love and belongings, esteem and self-actualization
needs.
l A successful or unsuccessful family depends upon the role of parents,
their capacity and experience to guide the family. The parents should
govern their family properly.
l Marriage is legal, biological, psychological, social, and eternal relationship
between male and female individuals as husband and wife (spouses) that
is generally established with a legal, cultural or religious procedure.
l Marriage before 20 years of age is illegal in Nepal according to the Civil
Code. But there is a provision of legally accepted marriage after 18 years
of age with the consent of parents.
l Planning of family refers to the process of making appropriate and wise
strategies to run the family smoothly regarding various family matters
like nutrition, size of family, contraception, maternal and child health
(MCH) care, fulfilment of basic needs, education, and so on. Whereas,
family planning refers to the process of determining appropriate size of
the family.
l Social security is the provision made by the government for the assurance
of care and respect of elderly, suppressed and marginalized people of a
country.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 115
Exercises
Group "A"
Give very short answers to the following questions
1. Define family life education.
2. What do you mean by stage of rest in human life cycle?
3. Define family.
4. Write any one advantage of nuclear family.
5. Give an example of physiological need.
6. At what stage of the Maslow's Pyramid the need for respect and value lie?
7. What is self-actualization need?
8. Define marriage.
9. What do you mean by family planning?
10. Write any one cause of ageing.
11. There is loss of creativity in elderly age. What type of change is this during
ageing?
12. Give an example of social change in ageing.
13. What was the average life expectancy of Nepali people in 2011 AD?
14. Define social security.
Group "B"
Give short answers to the following questions .
1. What are the major scopes of family life education? Describe.
2. Draw a chart showing human life cycle and explain its process in short.
3. What are the major issues of the stage of human life cycle when there is need of
family expansion?
4. List out any five importance of family life education and explain any two of
them in brief.
5. Differentiate between nuclear and joint family in any five points.
6. What are the demerits of extended family? Describe.
116 Health, Population and Environment - 9
7. Draw a well-labeled diagram of Maslow's Pyramid of Needs.
8. Explain any five roles and responsibilities of parents in a family.
9. Differentiate between:
a) Monogamy and Polygamy
b) Love marriage and Arranged marriage.
10. Describe the situation of ageing problem in SAARC countries with relevant
data.
11. Give any five ideas for caring elderly people.
12. Give a brief introduction to the status of social security in Nepal.
Group "C"
Give long answers to the following questions
1. What do you mean by age at marriage? Give an account of age at marriage in
Nepal according to the existing legal provisions of Nepal.
2. Explain the physical, mental and emotional changes of ageing.
3. How can elderly people contribute the society? Explain with examples.
4. Explain the role of women in planning of the family.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 117
6 NATURAL RESOURCES
AND BIODIVERSITY
Contents
6.1 Concept of Natural Resources
6.1.1 Introduction to Natural Resources
6.1.2 Classification of Natural Resources
6.1.3 Importance of Natural Resources
6.1.4 Types of Natural Resources
6.1.5 Wildlife resources
6.2 Conservation of the Natural Resources
6.3 Caring for the Earth
6.4 Human Being and the Earth
6.1 Concept of Natural Resources
6.1.1 Introduction to Natural Resources
The resources available in the nature which are useful for human beings such as air,
land, minerals, forest, wildlife, etc. are known as natural resources. They are the gifts
of the nature for our use. Our life is difficult in the absence of natural resources. There
are different types of natural resources in the environment. Some of the resources
are non-living things and some are living. Vegetation, wildlife, plants, etc. are living
natural resources; and mineral, rock, soil, hill, mountain, air, etc. are non-living natural
resources. The formation and destruction of natural components continuously occur
in a nature. It brings changes in the natural resource conditions. Natural resources
provide us suitable environment, settlement, fulfilments of desire and need of human
being. So, we should pay proper attention to protection and conservation of natural
resources.
Activity
Collect information about natural resources available in or near your locality.
Make lists of advantages, disadvantages and measures of the conservation any one
resources among them with relevance to the local people.
118 Health, Population and Environment - 9
6.1.2 Classification of Natural Resources
There are three types of natural resources. They are perpetual, renewable
and non-renewable natural resources. Classification of natural resources is as
follows:
Natural Resources
Perpetual Renewable Non-renewable
Tides Flowing Solar Winds Fossil Fuels Minerals
water Energy
Fresh Air Fresh Water Fertile Soil Plant and Animals
a) Perpetual Natural Resources
The resources which are inexhaustible and permanent in environment are
perpetual resources. They do not get exhausted due to utilization. Tides, winds,
solar energy, flowing water, etc. are the main examples of perpetual resources.
Perpetual resources' quantity is maintained naturally by natural phenomenon.
So, we can utilize as much of perpetual natural resources as we need. Maximum
utilization of these resources is actually beneficial in our life due to its limitless
quantity in the nature.
b) Renewable Natural Resources
The resources which can be
renewed or regenerated again
and again after their utilization
are known as renewable
resources. These types of
resources are regenerated due to
the natural process or formation
in the nature.
It takes a certain time to regenerate the renewable resources, such as plants,
animals, air, water, rain, etc. The quantity of this resources decreases for a
Health, Population and Environment - 9 119
while in the nature, then again it regenerates naturally later on. Therefore, we
should not over-exploit the renewable resources. We should try to conserve the
renewable resources by our own efforts like plantation, control of pollution,
control of overuse, illegal hunting of animals, etc.
c) Non-renewable Natural Resources
The resources which are not regenerated
naturally after use are known as non-
renewable resources such as fuel, metallic
and non metallic minerals, etc. These types of
resources will not regenerate fast after uses.
The quantity of
Non-renewable resources is declining day by Petroleum
day due to its excessive exploitation. Non-renewable Natural Resources
The formation process of non-renewable resources takes place millions of years
in the nature. Therefore we should try to use the non-renewable resources very
wisely in our life. As far as possible we have to conserve the non-renewable
resources because we will face a great problem ourselves due to it’s over
exploitation from the nature. We should try to seek the alternative resources to
conserve non-renewable resources. Use of petroleum can be reduced by the use
of solar, wind and electric energy. Iron can be replaced by the use of wood, etc.
6.1.3 Importance of Natural Resources
Natural resources are the basis of life on the earth. They are very important
for all living things. Some of the importance of natural resources are discussed
below:
a) Source of resources
Resources maintain the quantity of sources in the nature. The environment
becomes balanced. Such as source of air, source of water, source of minerals,
sources of vegetations, etc. If the resources are not available in the nature, these
important sources will not be maintained in the nature.
b) Shelter/Habitat
The availability of resources like land, water, forest, etc. is one of the basic
requisites for a place to be appropriate for settlement. The natural resources
provide shelter or habitat for different creatures. We live on land. Aquatic
animals live in water and wild animals live in forest. The living creatures
cannot get suitable shelter in absence of resources in the nature.
120 Health, Population and Environment - 9
c) Natural beauty
Natural resources are important elements of nature. They balance and decorate
the nature. As a result, nature develops its beauty. If we destroy the natural
resources, the environment becomes imbalanced. Mountain, waterfall,
vegetation, wild animals and birds, etc. have made our nature beautiful. So
natural resources are very important.
d) Economic development
Natural resources are valuable treasure for us. We use resources to fulfil our
various purposes and desires. It is regarded as an important infrastructure
of development activities. We can enhance our income by the use of various
natural resources. Resources are the sources of raw materials which are essential
for industries. These can be supplied as raw materials to different parts of the
world to earn foreign currency. So it helps to develop economic condition of
the country.
e. Tourism development
Natural resources decorate the nature very beautifully. People visit from
different countries to view and enjoy the natural beauty. It is utilized as research
field by the researchers. Due to this reason, tourists are attracted towards it.
A number of students, researchers, visitors are attracted to see and visit the
natural resources. Different kinds of conservation areas, wildlife reserves, and
national parks can be established. They are the main tourism sectors to attract
them. So, it helps to develop tourism.
f) Source of food
The main sources of food are natural resources. Vegetation, cereal crops, fruits,
meat, fish, chicken, etc. are the components of nature. We can get all sorts of
food from these components. Therefore, the natural resource is the main source
of food for human beings and all other creatures.
g) Study and research area
We need appropriate field to do research works and advanced study. Resources
are the main field of study and research. Study and research of water resources,
mountains, minerals, soil, etc. are the main examples of study-field for student
and researchers. So it provides field of study and research.
h) Development /Construction activities
Development activities depend on matters like minerals, gases, forest,
water, land, etc. Resources are the main raw materials and infrastructures of
development activities. So, it helps to conduct development and construction
activities.
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i. Balance of ecosystem and environment
Ecosystem is the dynamic relationship between various living and non-living
things on the earth. The natural resources include the living things as well
as non-living things. The balance in natural resources assures the balance in
ecosystem and the environment.
6.1.4 Types of Natural Resources
There are different types of natural resources. They have variation in their
types and status. The major causes of variation are climatic, geographical,
and biological condition of nature. We can get vividness in the resources due
to its types and status. This situation is very beneficial to our life. They have
significant roles in the environment. There is close interrelationship between
natural resources and human beings. The statuses of resources are briefly
described below:
a) Air
Status of air
Air is the mixture of various gases naturally present in the atmosphere. It
is an important resource which is found in the surrounding atmosphere.
Unpolluted air does not have any colour, taste and smell. It consists of
the following gases:
Names of gases Proportion in %
Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21 %
Carbondioxide 0.03%
Inert gases 0.95%
Other gases 0.02 %
Total (Air) 100%
Carbondioxide is the heaviest gas of air whereas hydrogen is the lightest
gas. It also consists of different other heavy particles like water, dust, etc.
when the unwanted other gases mix into it, it will pollute the environment
which is very harmful for living creatures.
Importance of air
This is an important natural resource. The living creatures use air for
their breathing. They inhale oxygen and exhale carbondioxide. Plants use
carbondioxide and release oxygen during the photosynthesis1 process.
The major importances of air are as follows:
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• It helps in respiratory process of the living creatures.
• It helps to move the cloud in the atmosphere.
• It helps to make rainfall in different places.
• It helps to balance the environment, ecosystem and air cycles.
• It helps to change the seasons in the environment.
• It helps to run the windmill and to generate eletricity.
b) Water
Status of water resources
Water is the main constituent of our body. It occupies about 65-70% of
the total body weight. This is an important liquid substance. It has no
taste, colour and smell. There is three-fourth (3/4) of water on the earth's
surface. It is divided mainly into three categories: rain water, surface
water and underground water.
Nepal is very rich in water resources. This is the second richest country
of the world and the first richest country of Asia in water resources. The
main sources of water in Nepal are many fast-flowing rivers originating
from the mountains, big rivers of Terai region like Karnali, Seti, Gandaki,
Koshi, high mountains, lakes, waterfalls, etc.
Surface water
The amount of water which
is found on the surface of the
earth is called surface water.
This is very important for
us. We can fulfil our various
purposes by using surface
water. We have more than
6,000 rivers and rivulets. These Surface Water: River -Water
are main examples of surface
water. These rivers and rivulets are basically dependent on rain water.
They accumulate large amount of water and flow rapidly during rainy
season. They dry during the winter seasons. Some of the biggest rivers
like Gandaki, Koshi, Karnali, etc. accumulate water from melting snow
of mountain. They are perennial rivers of Nepal.
Underground water:
The water deposited under the surface of the earth is known as
1. Photosynthesis : a biotic metabolism that utilizes carbondioxide and water to synthesize
Health, Population and Environment - 9 123
underground water. The rain
water percolates into the earth
from the surface. According
to ADB2 / ICIMOD3 2006,
there is about 12 cubic k.m. of
underground water in Nepal.
We use underground water by
making well, tube, pump set for
many purposes. Underground
water is available below 50 feet in
Bhawar region.
Importance of water resources
We need water every day. Our body contains more than 65% water.
Besides, water is needed for various other purposes. The importance of
water can be listed as below.
i. For irrigation in agricultural activities
ii. Balance of ecosystem in environment
iii. Development of hydropower
iv. Settlement for aquatic creatures
v. Industrial development
vi. Domestic requirements
vii. Economic development
c) Land
Status of land resources
The physical structure of land is made by soil, sand, rock, stone, etc.
This is an important natural resource. Our country Nepal occupies 1,
47,181 sq. k.m. area of land. The total land of Nepal is divided into three
geographical regions. They are described below.
Mountain region
The northern part of our country which is covered with snow land and
at the altitude ranges of 4877 to 8848 m is known as mountain region.
This is the snow land area which has cold climate. The soil structure is of
sandy loam and silty loam. So, the soil does not have high fertility. This
2. ADB : Asian Development Bank
3. ICIMOD : International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
124 Health, Population and Environment - 9
region occupies 35% of total land of Nepal.
Hill region
The middle part of our country at an altitude range of 610 to 4877 m. is
known as hill region. It is covered by hills and forests. The soil structure
in this region is silty clay and loam. It has about 42% of total land of the
country. This region is very popular for forests and hills. Agricultural
production is also good in comparison to mountain.
Terai region
The southern part of our country spreading at the altitude range of 60
to 610 m. is known as Terai region. It has plain land with alluvial and
sandy soil. This type of land construction is very good for agriculture,
so this region is known as 'The Bread Basket' of Nepal. It has occupied
23% of total land of Nepal. The land of Terai has irrigation facility and
other necessary requirements. That is why, a number of industries are
available in Terai region.
Importance of land resources
Land is the place where we live in. It is the habitat of billions of creatures
living on the earth. Land is made up of huge mass of soil, rocks and several
solid things. It is a home for living organisms and it provides nutrients
and stability for plants to grow. Without soil, the plants necessary for
people and animals to survive could not exist. By caring for our soil
properly, we can ensure the longevity of both animals and people. The
use of crop rotation, limiting harsh chemicals and composting will help
to maintain a healthy balance of nutrients, living organisms and minerals
in the soil. Land is an indispensable part of the earth.
d) Minerals
Status of minerals
Minerals are any of naturally occurring solid inorganic substances with
homogeneous crystalline composition and that has been formed as a result
of geological processes. Metallic and non metallic things like iron, mica, lime,
etc. are some examples of minerals. The survey on minerals was started fron
2024 BS in Nepal. Scientifically minerals do not include petroleum, fuel,
gases or any other non-crystalline substance. But they are also surveyed
and studied along with the study of minerals for convenience in Nepal.
According to the surveys, the major findings regarding minerals and other
naturally occurring substances in Nepal are given below.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 125
Mineral resources, their use, and distribution
S.N. Name of General use Places where the minerals are
minerals found
1. Iron ore • In construction works in Ramechap, Phulchowki
the form of iron rods and hill of Lalitpur, Chitwan,
equipments. Makawanpur, Nuwakot, etc.
• For the construction
of vehicles utensils,
weapons, etc.
2. Copper • Making utensils, electric Buddha Khola, Gorkha,
3. Mica wires, etc. Makawanpur, Nuwakot, Baitadi,
4. Zinc Ilam, Baglung, Taplejung, etc.
• Making capacitors and
other electronic devices Nuwakot, Dhankuta, Sindhuli,
Doti, Chainpur, Bhojpur, etc.
• For galvanizing tin.
• In science laboratories. Kathmandu, Rasuwa,
Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, etc.
5. Magnetite • For making explosives. Dolakha, Udaypur, etc.
6. • For the production of Dhading, Makawanpur, Chovar
Limestone lime. of Kathmandu.
• For purification of water.
7. Coal • Used as fuel. Dang, Salyan, Mustang,
Chitwan, Kailali, Kanchanpur,
etc.
8. Nickel • Used in rechargeable Ramechap, Sindupalchowk,
batteries. Dhankuta, etc.
9. Gold • To make attractive Sunkoshi, Kailgandaki,
10. Slate jewelries. Marsyangdi, Budhi Gandaki, etc.
• In high-class electronic Tanahu, Kaski, Bajhang,
circuits. Dhading, etc.
Mustang, Dailekha, Dang,
• Decorating houses. Salyan, Pyuthan, etc.
11. Petroleum • Used as fuel.
• Used for the production Baglung, Udaypur, Dolakha, etc.
12. Talk stone of talcum powder, baby
power, etc.
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Importance of mineral resources
Mineral resources are very important for human life. The importance of mineral
resources can be listed as below:
• Economic development.
• Development of infrastructure
• Use for aesthetic purpose
• Source of fuel
• Industrial development
• Decoration of house and building
• Source of different minerals
• Import and export business
• Study and research area, etc.
e) Forest
Status of forest resources
The land which is covered by trees, bushes, greeneries, etc. is known as
forest. Nepal was very rich in forest resources in the past. A joint five-
year survey conducted by the Department of Forest Research and Survey
and National Forest Products Survey Project in between 2067 to 2071 BS,
shows that of the total 147,181 square kilometres area of Nepal, forest
area makes up 44.74 percent. It is one of the most important resources.
It is the shelter for wildlife and plants. It helps to balance the environment
and ecosystem. The forest of Nepal can be divided into four categories
which are described below:
i. Tropical forest
Tropical forest is situated in
the Southern part of Nepal at
the altitude of 1000 to 1200 m
from the sea level. Tropical
forest is found mainly in Terai,
Churia range, Dun, low land of
Mahabharat range. It lies in hot
climate. Therefore, heavy rainfall
occurs in this area.
The plants are evergreen due
to heavy rainfall and hot climate. The main trees of this forest are Sal,
Health, Population and Environment - 9 127
Sissau, Khayar, Chanp, Simal, Palas, Bamboo, Jamun, Katus, etc.
These trees are important for furniture, building construction and
firewood. This forest looks very beautiful and pleasant due to flowering
and colourful plants.
ii. Sub-tropical forest
This forest is situated in the
southern part of Nepal at the
altitude of 1200 to 2100 m from the
sea level. However, this is found
at the altitude of 1000-1700 m in
the eastern part of the country.
It is mainly spreading in the
southern part of Mahabharat
range to Chure range. It is
spreading as a belt from east to west of Nepal. Sal, Sissau, Simal, Chilaune,
Rhododendron, Okhar, Bamboo are found in the lower tropical forest.
Similarly, Salla, Kharsu, Babiyo, Kans, small grasses, etc. are found in
higher tropical forest.
iii. Temperate forest
This is situated at an altitude of 2000
to 2700 m. height from the sea level.
There are two types of temperate
forests in Nepal. Lower temperate
forest is situated at an altitude range
of 1700-2400 m. from the sea level in
the eastern part. The higher temperate
forest has an altitude range of 2400
to 2800 m from the sea level in the
western part. The main vegetations
of this forest are Timur, Chiraito, Panchaule, Jatamasi, Devdar, Dhupi,
Kharsu, Rhododendron, etc. The soft types of trees are main sources
of this forest. So, these trees are usable for making papers, colour and
paints, attractive furniture, medicines, etc.
iv. Alpine forest
This forest is situated at the altitude of about 3000 to 4200 m. height. It
is extending from east to west of Nepal. This is also divided into two
types. They are lower and higher alpine forests. The lower alpine forest
in eastern Nepal is at the altitude of about 3,000 m. In western Nepal, the
128 Health, Population and Environment - 9
higher alpine forest is situated at
an altitude of about 3200 m. Some
of the major trees are found only up
to some fixed level which is called
tree-line. This tree-line is at the
altitude of 4000 m. The main trees
of this forest are Rhododendron,
small bushes, mosses, lichens, etc.
The trees of this forest cannot grow
tall due to cold climate.
Importance of forest resources
Forests are very important for us. Forests provide various useful things to human
beings. They also play vital roles in maintenance of the ecosystem. The importance
of forest resources can be assessed with the help of following points.
• Source of different forest land
• Source of firewood, timber, bushes, grass, herbs, wild animals, etc.
• Source of greeneries and oxygen
• Industrial development
• Availability of infrastructure
• Establishment of national parks, conservation area, wildlife reserve,
garden, etc.
• Balance of ecosystem and environment
• Conservation of soil, water resources, etc.
• Shelter for wild animals and birds
• Natural beauty
• Control of the natural calamities like landslide, soil erosion, etc.
• Economic development
• Study and research area
6.1.5 Wildlife resources
Status of wildlife resources
The creatures that live in the forest are known as wildlife. There are different
types of geographical situations, climate, and temperature in Nepal. A number
of wild lives are found in Nepal due to her rich biodiversity. According to
Nepal Biodiversity Strategy, NG/UNDP, 2002, following species are found in
Nepal.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 129
Status of species: A comparative study of the world and Nepal
Plant Species Number of plant species Animal Spe- Number of animal species
World Nepal % cies World Nepal %
Gymnosperms 529 28 5.1 Mammals 4,000 181 4.5
Angiosperms 220,000 5,856 2.7 Aves 9,040 852 9.3
Bryophytes 16600 853 5.1 Reptiles 6,300 100 1.6
Pteridophytes 11300 380 3.4 Amphibians 4,184 43 1.0
Lichen 2,000 465 23.25 Fish 18,150 182 1.0
Algae 26,000 687 2.6 Insects 900,000 4,438 0.49
Fungi 69,000 1,822 2.6 Butterflies 24,615 640 2.6
Spiders 73,400 144 0.2
Source: Nepal Biodiversity Strategy, NG/UNDP, 2002.
The table shows that Nepal is rich in wildlife resources. But the number of
animals and birds are declining day by day due to the lack of conservation
activities, illegal hunting activities, increment of pollution, natural disaster, etc.
We must pay attention to them because they are very much important for us.
The importances are as follows:
Importance of wildlife resources
Wildlife resources are very important for us.
Wildlife resources provide various useful things
like timber, fodder, fruits, medicinal plants, and
firewood for human beings. They also play vital
roles in maintenance of the ecological balance and
ecosystem. The importance of wildlife resources
can be traced from the following points:
• Source of wildlife
• Breeding process development
130 Health, Population and Environment - 9
• Availability of domestic requirement
• Development of transportation facilities where road is not constructed
• Balance of ecosystem and environment
• Establishment of nursery, garden, zoo, in-situ4 and ex-situ5 area
• Tourism development
• Study and research area
• Use for medicinal purpose
• Use for decoration by skin, feathers and different parts of body
6.2 Conservation of the Natural Resources
There are a number of resources like air, water, forest, wild animals, minerals,
etc. in the nature. These are valuable property of nature for the benefit of all
the living beings along with human beings. The resources will automatically
maintain a balance if human beings or natural calamities do not interfere with
them. The environment and ecosystem becomes degraded if people exploit and
use them excessively. The natural resources should be preserved and protected
for the maintenance of ecosystem and environment. We should maintain a
balance of ecosystem and environment.
Natural resources are inseparable part of human life. We should conserve
the natural resources; otherwise, they may vanish away from the nature. The
conservation of natural resources helps to support the function of conducting,
formatting, and promoting of essential natural process in order to balance
the environment and ecosystem. The resources are capable of maintaining
themselves in the natural system, if man and any other creature do not
interfere and disturb the ecosystem and resources. It also helps to conserve the
nature. The conservation of natural resources can be analyzed and interpreted
in various ways. Consumption behaviour of human beings is significantly
related to the conservation of natural resources. There are main two theories
or approaches of conservation of natural resources. They are described below:
a) Absolute conservation theory / approach
It is the 'conservation without consumption' approach for the protection of
the environment. The conservation theories are related with the consumption
4. In-situ : internal situation of habitat or the natural habitat of living things
5. Ex-situ : external situation of habitat or the artificial habitat of living things
Health, Population and Environment - 9 131
behaviour of human beings. Absolute conservation approach refers to the
conservation of natural resources by avoiding their use completely. According
to this approach, if the natural resources are not destroyed, then its quantity
and quality does not decline. This concept helps to conserve the resources in
the nature.
This approach is a bit impractical and ideal. It is not suitable for all types
of resources. We cannot survive without consuming the essential natural
resources. When we use them in our daily life, the quantity and quality of the
resources decline from nature. Therefore, it is difficult to apply behaviourally.
This approach is suitable only for those resources which are getting rare due to
human interference and are not compulsorily needed in our everyday life.
b) Relative conservation theory / approach
It is the 'conservation along with consumption' approach of protection of the
environment. This is a practical approach of natural resource conservation. It is
practical and applicable conservation approach of natural resources. There are
parallel conservation programs too. We should use the resources wisely and
rationally to sustain the quality and quantity of natural resources. Suppose we
cut down one tree, there must be plantation of another tree. In this way, the
quantity and quality of natural resources are regenerated for the future use. As
a result, it never gets depleted in the nature. This is a practicable conservation
approach of natural resources. It conserves the natural resources by developing
the conservation behaviour of people. It is usable in various types of natural
resources. Utilization is integrated with conservation in this approach, such
as at forestation, agriculture farming, hydroelectricity generation, etc. This
approach helps to maintain a balance between all living beings and natural
resources.
Differences between absolute and relative conservation
Absolute Conservation Relative Conservation
i. It is the method of conservation i. It is the method of conservation
of natural resources without of natural resources with wise
their use at all. consumption in limited amount.
ii. It is hardly practicable. ii. It is easily practicable.
iii. It is appropriate for rare items. iii. It is appropriate for almost all
items.
132 Health, Population and Environment - 9
iv. It is more effective in ex-situ. iv. It is more effective in in-situ.
v. Example: Conservation of one- v. Example: Community forest
horned rhinoceros, Golden conservation program
michelia, etc.
6.3 Caring for the Earth
6.3.1 Introduction to the Earth
The earth is the only known celestial body with existence of living things.
Therefore, the earth is called a living planet. It revolves around the sun along
a fixed path called orbit. There are certain qualities in the earth which make it
the living planet. They are air, water, heat, light, etc. and the precious living
things that consume these precious matters. The surface of the earth is made up
of rock, soil, and water. Its structure is divided into two parts: outer sphere and
inner sphere. The outer sphere includes atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere
and biosphere. The inner part of the earth contains solid, liquid and gases. The
central part of the earth contains magma, which is made up of molten mass of
various rocks, metals, and other substances.
The different spheres of the earth are interrelated and linked to each other. If
one is affected, others are also disturbed. The outer sphere of the earth is called
the crust of the earth. It is 40 km. thick from the land and 8 km. from the ocean.
About two-thirds of the earth's crust is covered by water-masses, i.e. the
oceans and one third is land) Land has various continents. Continental part
has different land forms like hills, mountains, plains, basins, etc. Being a living
planet, earth is the common habitat of all the living creatures including human
beings. Different kinds of living things can exist in different parts of the earth
according to their adaptability and availability of adequate sunlight, oxygen
and water on the earth.
6.3.2 Concept of Caring for the Earth
The topography1 of the earth differs from one
place to another. Because of this difference, there
is variation in the natural environment of the
earth. These differences have created diversity in
animals, birds and plants. The earth has various
components which make their own identities
as lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere,
biosphere, etc.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 133
All these components are interrelated with each other. Changes and fluctuations
in their natural status cause imbalance in the natural environment. The
interactions between all of these components regulate and determine water
cycle, nitrogen cycle, oxygen cycle, carbondioxide cycle and various other
natural cycles. The change in these aspects disturbs the animals, birds and other
living organisms.
Caring for the earth means to conserve all the physical and biological aspects
of the earth in its natural condition. Its aim is to provide an opportunity to
continue the life of all the living beings. This becomes possible only if all the
elements of the earth are conserved properly.
6.3.3 Strategy of Caring for the Earth
In order to implement the strategy of the world conservation effectively, for the
care of the earth, and for the initiation of sustainable way of development an
action-plan was formulated in 1980 AD. This document explains the policies
of the world natural heritages and sustainable development. The world
conservation strategy motivates and encourages all to take care of the earth and
conduct the program at local and national levels.
The strategy of the care for the earth was published in 1980 A.D. by the joint
effort of the World Conservation Union (IUCN)2, United Nations Environment
Program (UNEP) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). These agencies have given
importance to implement the principles of sustainable development.
Different nations, international agencies, NGOs have supported and agreed
to implement this strategy. As a result this document was launched at the
same time on 4th Kartik, 2048 B.S. in more than 55 major cities of the world
including London, Tokyo, New York, and Kathmandu. More than 60 countries
have developed their own conservation strategy. In these strategies, they
have stressed on the biodiversity conservation, application of the principles of
sustainable development3 , and natural resource conservation.
Caring programs for the earth have stated different policies and programs for
the conservation of the earth. Among them some are as follows:
i. Every kind of development work should include environmental
conservation programs.
ii. Development work should not create environmental problem.
iii. People should not destroy natural resources in the name of fulfilling their
needs.
iv. Economic justice in the society helps in conservation of environment
1. Topography : the shape and other physical characteristics of land
2. IUCN : international Union for Conservation of Nature
3. Sustainable development : developmental works done with conservation of natural resources
134 Health, Population and Environment - 9
by reducing exploitation of the natural resources. Therefore, income
generating programs and trainings should be conducted at local and
national level.
v. The renewable resources should be produced adequately to meet the need
of growing population. It helps in conservation of non-renewable natural
resources.
vi. Rich countries should reduce their consumption pattern of renewable
resources.
vii. People should change their attitude towards nature and respect the
nature.
viii. Rich countries should provide financial and technical support to the
poor countries for pollution control and improvement of environment.
6.3.4 Earth as a Living Planet
Earth has peculiar characteristics in
comparison to the other planets of the
solar system. Its distance from the sun,
motion, temperature, and presence of
other environmental factors like air,
water, land, gases, etc. are some of the
main features that make the earth living.
The earth is the only known celestial body
with existence of living things. Therefore,
the earth is called living planet. The earth
is 150 million km far from the sun. This
distance is appropriate for maintaining
favourable temperature for life processes.
Presence of water and oxygen is regarded as the most important feature to make
the earth a living planet. Ozone layer, fertile soil, non-combustible atmosphere,
adequate water, self-regulating environmental cycles, and so many other
favourable situations have made it a common habitat of various organisms. All
the components of the earth like land, water, air, forest, animals are inseparable
and interrelated to each other. If one of them is destroyed, it affects another.
Some special characteristics of the earth are as follows:
a) Structure of land
Out of the total area of the earth, land mass has covered 29 percent. It is
called the continental area of the earth which extends from surface to the
inner part of the earth. The structure of the earth varies with topography,
altitude, temperature, etc. This variation has created different types of
ecosystems. This diversity has created a favourable environment for
different plants, animals, organisms and other living beings.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 135
b) Air
The earth is surrounded by an atmosphere which consists of about 21%
of oxygen and 78% of nitrogen as major gases. The atmosphere also
contains carbondioxide, argon, hydrogen, water vapour, dust, etc. These
atmospheric gases have helped all the living beings to fulfil their needs and
exist on the earth. Ozone layer reflects the ultraviolet rays and helps the
living beings and plants to exist on the earth. The light and heat absorbed
by the earth has helped the living things and organisms to continue their
life cycle.
c) Seasons
The earth rotates round the sun on a fixed path which is called orbit. This
rotation causes change in seasons. The characteristics of seasons differ in
climate, day and night, temperature, rainfall pattern, flow of wind, etc.
This creates a different situation which is favourable for all living beings.
Seasonal variation creates the appropriate environment for the existence
of biodiversity.
d) Water
About 71 percent of the earth-surface is covered with water. There are
three main sources of water. They are surface water, rain water, and
underground water. The flow of water and rainfall makes the earth moist.
This helps decomposer bacteria to decay the dead body and plants. It
helps to make the earth fertile, in which plants can grow and give foods to
the animals. This helps the living things to exist on the earth.
e. Heat and light
Heat and light are the forms of energy. These energies are primarily
obtained from the sun. Heat energy helps in regulating the features of the
earth which are necessary for all sorts of lives on the earth. Light not only
makes the earth visible, but also plays a vital role in preparation of food
by the plants through photosynthesis process. Heat helps in evaporation
of water and regulates the water cycle, which is essential for availability
of water on the land. In this way, heat and light play important role in
making the earth a living planet.
f) Food
Food is the first basic need of all living beings of the earth. Men get
food from plants and animals. Plants prepare their food with the help
of heat and light through photosynthesis. Carnivorous animals depend
on herbivorous and herbivorous animals upon plants, etc. There are
food chains which link various creatures in the ecosystem making
interdependent on one another.
136 Health, Population and Environment - 9
g) Recycle
No living things on the earth have perpetual existence. They die after a
certain time. Microorganisms including bacteria decompose them into
simpler compounds and mix into soil. Plants reuse such materials as food)
The fertile soil helps to produce other new plants. In this way, reproduction
and expiry is a continuous process on the earth, which makes the existence
of living things possible on the earth.
6.3.5 Introduction to Carrying Capacity of the Earth
The earth has limited surface area,
on which we can produce food
grains and manage habitat for all
living beings. Carrying capacity
of the earth means the maximum
size of population and the extent
of development that the earth can
sustain. In other sense, it is the
earth’s capacity to accommodate
living things, non-living things,
and different resources on it. The
resources are: air, water, land,
agriculture, forest, minerals,
settlement area, etc. We have The Earth:
certain limit of these resources. Developmental and Population Load on it
The availability of these resources determines the carrying capacity of the earth.
Human population is skyrocketing but the area of the earth is fixed. Adversely,
natural resources are declining remarkably. In such a situation, the capacity of
the earth to sustain increased population on it is also declining.
All the living things consume various resources of the earth. The use of these
resources should not exceed their capacity. Demand of people should not be
more than the capacity of the resources. People should have positive attitude
towards nature and natural resources.
As the carrying capacity of the earth is limited, maximum benefits should
be taken from the use of limited resources without their depletion. For this,
modern technologies should be used for the proper and wise use of resources.
The renewable resources should be regenerated as far as possible. Substitution
of non-renewable resources should be sought. The principle of sustainable
Health, Population and Environment - 9 137
development should be used while conducting any kind of development
activities. People should develop positive attitude towards nature that all the
resources of the earth are for the use of human beings and they should be
protected for future generations also.
Different ecosystems and natural sites have their own capacity. It can
accommodate certain number of living beings and fulfil their needs. If the
exploitation is higher than its capacity, it begins to deteriorate gradually. As a
result, human beings and all the other creatures are affected adversely.
6.4 Human Beings and the Earth
Though the earth is a common habitat of all living things, human being has an
extraordinary relationship of interdependence and counter-influence with the
earth. It is the human being who uses the resources of the earth to the maximum
limit. So, it is the prime duty of human beings to preserve and protect the
natural resources and environment of the earth. Human beings have improved
themselves to a high summit of advancement and have become creators as well
as destroyers. They plan and conduct development activities for their welfare.
For any kind of development activities they use the resources. Development
works affect the natural and physical aspects of the earth.
On the one hand, human beings need developmental works. On the other hand,
balanced environment is equally necessary for healthy living. While running
any kind of development work, human beings should respect all the living
beings for keeping harmony among each other and for caring the earth. Both
the natural aspects of the earth and development work are essential things for
human beings. So, people should be conscious about the natural condition of
the earth while conducting any kind of development activities.
6.4.1 Need for Caring the Earth
As the earth is a common habitat of all living beings, human beings including
plants fulfil their need using the resources of the nature that are available on
the earth. The availability of the resources makes the earth a sustainable habitat.
Need for caring the earth can be studied with the following points
a) Environment conservation
Caring for the earth can be synonymously taken as caring for the
environment. It is because the earth is just an aggregate of all sorts of
138 Health, Population and Environment - 9
environmental factors. In order to preserve the earth for future generations,
we should use natural resources properly. People should develop positive
attitude towards environment and the components of the earth.
b) Conservation of natural heritage
Natural heritages are indispensable parts of the environment. The
important natural sites are the habitat of some special animals. Concept
of caring for the earth accommodates the concept and techniques of
conservation of natural resources. The natural heritages should be
protected to preserve the biodiversity of the earth.
c) Conservation of biodiversity
Biodiversity means the existence and vividness of different types of living
beings i.e. terrestrial, aquatic, aerial, or the amphibians. All these living
beings are interrelated to each other. The conservation of biodiversity is
not possible unless there is implementation of the strategies of caring the
earth.
6.4.2 Methods of Caring the Earth
Human being utilizes and exploits the environment and natural resources more
than any other organisms on the earth. So, it is also the duty of human beings to
protect and preserve the earth. People should know about the earth, its motion
and structure.
a) Knowledge of the structure of the earth
The earth is a living planet. It has got different elements which make it
a living planet. It has its own structure, motion and natural cycles. As a
doctor diagnoses the disease of a patient first for his proper treatment,
we must find out the problems and disturbances in the natural process
and situation of the earth to care for it. To understand and find out the
adverse situation, we must have proper knowledge about the structure of
the earth)
b) Respect for the nature
The thoughts and concepts of people determine their behaviours. People
should develop their positive attitude towards nature. Any sorts of
development works should not disturb the natural environment. Respect
of the nature implies the genuine behaviours and attitude developed
towards the nature in such a way that the natural environment can be
conserved in proper way.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 139
c) Participation in the conservation program
Man is a conscious creature of the earth. So, it is also the duty of human
being to preserve the earth. For any kind of conservation work if we are
conscious and participate in the program from all sides, we can make the
conservation program effective and successful.
d) Proper use of the natural resources
Earth has limited capacity to fulfil the need of human being. The non-
renewable resources are limited and they should be preserved for the
future generation. Renewable resources are over exploited and they have
lost their natural quality.
e. Nature friendly development
Development activities are for the better life of human being. Development
activities should be conducted but it should not disturb the nature. All
kinds of development activities should be nature friendly for the proper
caring of the earth.
6.4.3 Main Programs for Caring for the Earth
The earth is the habitat of human beings. Caring the Earth
All the factors needed for life process are
obtained from the earth in many forms.
Human beings run different development
works using different resources of the
earth. It affects the natural condition of the
earth. So, conservation program should
go together with development works.
These sorts of conservation programs
should be conducted from local, national
and international level with technical and
financial support.
a) World-wide conservation policy
As the earth is the common habitat of all, it is the common duty of all
of us to conserve this common environment. With this objective, world
conservation strategy (WCS) was founded in 1980 AD and implemented
for the conservation of the earth. This strategy has given main policies
and programs like conservation of the earth, conservation of biodiversity,
conservation of forest, land, etc.
140 Health, Population and Environment - 9
b) National conservation policy
Different kinds of conservation policies are needed for the conservation of
environment in different ecological area. Many countries have formulated
their national policy and implemented it from their central and local level.
Nepal has also made special plans and policies for the conservation of
environment. National plans and policies are made and implemented
by the concerned ministries like Environment Ministry, Forest and Land
Conservation Ministry, etc. of the central government level. Environment
conservation laws, forest acts, laws and acts for conservation of rare plants
and animals, laws to regulate national parks, wild life reserves and similar
other laws are formulated and implemented on the basis of national
conservation policies made by the government.
c) Environmental planning
Environment planning is the process of formulating, developing, and
documentation of strategies for environmental conservation with its
maximum possible utilization. It includes the strategies and plans for
the conservation of biodiversity, ecosystem, and environment. All the
countries have their own environmental planning strategies. They run
different kinds of developmental works to meet the need of their people.
The needs and relative development works may be related to economical,
social and cultural aspects. These activities should be sustainable and
environment-friendly.
d) Formulation of laws and implementation
There are many laws and acts formulated and implemented by the
government for proper conservation and protection of the environment.
Caring for the earth is impossible unless there are such laws for
conservation of the nature. The laws are related to protection of
biodiversity, conservation of forests, regulation of national parks and wild
life reserves, pollution control and population management, restriction of
pollutants production, etc.
e) Awareness raising program
People should be aware of the need of the conservation program. For this
purpose, different kinds of awareness programs through the use of mass
media, publications, street drama, formal and non-formal educational
programs, etc. should be conducted at local, national and international
Health, Population and Environment - 9 141
level. These programs may vary from country to country according
to their ecological and environmental condition. Nepal has also been
running different kinds of awareness programs in local, national and non-
governmental sector.
6.4.4 Local Efforts for Caring the Earth
The efforts of caring the earth may differ from place to place and from one
geographical region to another. Some of the efforts that can be made at local
level for the care of the earth are as follows:
i. Forest should be conserved from the local level. Afforestation programs
should be run at open and barren area) Only the dry and fallen trees
should be used from the forest and preserve the young plants.
ii. The habit of setting fire to forests and pasture area should be stopped.
iii. Religious sites, public places, rivers, watershed area, pastureland should be
preserved.
iv. Surroundings should be neat and clean. Solid wastes should be
disposed in proper place. There should be proper management of
drainage in the locality.
v. To preserve the water resources of the surroundings, trees should be
planted.
vi. Private forestry program should be encouraged to fulfil the need of
local level and for daily uses.
vii. Pamphlets, magazines and awareness programs related to environment
conservation should be published and disseminated among people.
viii. The policy of searching and finding out the alternatives of substitutive
resources for non-renewable resources, should be implemented.
ix. The use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides should be
minimized.
x. The habit of using compost manure should be developed.
xi. Programs for population management and unplanned settlement
should be run in appropriate ways.
142 Health, Population and Environment - 9
Notes
l Natural resources are the materials or substances occurring in nature which
can be used by human beings for easy survival and economic gain.
l There are three kinds of natural resources. They are renewable, non-renewable,
and perpetual natural resources.
l Tides, winds, solar energy, flowing water, etc. are perpetual natural
resources.
l Forest, vegetation, wildlife, fresh water, fresh air are examples of renewable
natural resources.
l Petrolium, minerals, soil and ores are the examples of non-renewable natural
resources.
l Oxygen gas present in the air has made life possible on the earth. We breath in
air but only the oxygen gas is absorbed by our blood.
l Nepal is the second richest country of the world and the first richest country
of Asia in water resources.
l The total land of Nepal is divided into three geographical regions. They are
mountain, hilly and Terai regions.
l Minerals are any of naturally occurring solid inorganic substances with
homogeneous crystalline composition and that has been formed as a result
of geological processes.
l Out of the total 147,181 square kilometres area of Nepal, forest area makes
up 44.74 percent.
l Absolute conservation of natural resources is suitable only for the
conservation of those resources which are getting rare due to human
interference and are not compulsorily needed in our everyday life.
l In relative conservation approach of natural resources, the process of their
conservation is integrated with their wise utilization. This approach helps
to maintain a balance between all living beings and natural resources.
l The earth is called a living planet because the life is possible only on the
earth due to it's characteristics favourable for living things.
l Carrying capacity of the earth is the maximum size of population and
the extent of development that the earth can sustain. In other sense, it is
the earth’s capacity to accommodate living things, non-living things, and
different resources on it.
l Being the most superior organism on the earth, it is prime duty of human
being to protect the natural resources, components and the natural
phenomena of the earth.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 143
Exercises
Group "A"
Give very short answers to the following questions.
1. Define natural resources.
2. Why is natural resource important?
3. Write any one approach of natural resource conservation.
4. What is perpetual natural resource?
5. Write any one importance of natural resources.
6. What percentage of oxygen is there in our atmosphere?
7. Define underground water.
8. Why are minerals important for us?
9. Why is nickel useful for us?
10. Write the name of any one place of Nepal where natural resource of
petroleum is present.
11. What is the altitude range of temperate forest?
12. Write any one importance of wildlife resource.
13. Define 'caring for the earth'.
14. Write the full form of IUCN.
15. Give any one reason of the earth being as a living planet.
16. What do you mean by carrying capacity of the earth?
17. Mention any one program made for caring for the earth.
18. When was WCS established?
Group "B"
Give short answers to the following questions.
1. Draw a neat and clean chart showing the classification of natural resources.
2. Differentiate between absolute and relative natural resources conservation.
3. What do you mean by absolute approach of natural resource conservation?
At what condition is it appropriate? Describe with example.
144 Health, Population and Environment - 9
4. Why should we become more conscious while using non-renewable
natural resources? Justify with an example.
5. Explain any two importance of natural resource with examples.
6. Give a short account of composition of air present in our atmosphere.
Why is it very important for us?
7. Write short notes on:
a) Land of mountain region
b) Soil of hilly region
c) Fertility of Terai region
8. Give short introduction to iron and copper with their general use and
availability in Nepal.
9. Differentiate between tropical and alpine forest.
10. Give a short account of biodiversity of Nepal with necessary relevant
data.
11. What do you mean by caring for the earth?
Group "C"
Give long answers to the following questions
1. What are natural resources? What are their types? Explain the importance
of natural resources.
2. Describe the status of natural resources in the context of Nepal.
3. Why should we take care of the caring capacity of the earth while using the
resources of the earth? Explain.
4. Why should human activities not exceed the carrying capacity of the earth?
Give reasons with examples.
5. What are the main programs caring for the earth? Explain.
6. What types of local efforts can be initiated for caring for the earth? Give
detail account on the techniques of caring components of the earth in your
surroundings.
Health, Population and Environment - 9 145
7 ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH AND DISEASES
Contents
7.1 Concept of Environmental Health
7.2 Importance of Environmental Health
7.2.1 Techniques of Maintaining Environmental
Health at Home and School
7.3 Environmental Pollution and Its Management
7.3.1 Introduction to Environmental Pollution
7.3.2 Sources of Environmental Pollution
7.3.3 Adverse Effects of Environmental Pollu-
tion on Human Health
7.3.4 Methods of Controlling Environmental
Pollution
7.4 Solid Wastes
7.4.1 Sources of Solid Wastes
7.4.2 Classification of Solid Wastes
7.4.3 Methods of Managing Solid Wastes
7.5 Drainage and Excreta Disposal
7.5.1 Drainage
7.5.2 Excreta Disposal
7.5.3 Latrine
7.1 Concept of Environmental Health
Environment includes living, non-living, and abstract1 things of the surroundings. The
living things include plants, animals, and microorganisms. Non-living things include
air, water, soil, land, buildings, heat, light, etc. Abstract aspect of the environment
includes cultures, festivals, social norms and values, etc. Existing environmental
factors influence the health status of human beings. If the environmental factors are
favourable to human life, we can live healthier life and if the environmental factors
are not favourable, we suffer from different kinds of diseases.
1. Abstract : relating to those things which do not have physical existence and appearance
146 Health, Population and Environment - 9
Environmental health comprises of two words: 'environment' and 'health'. Therefore,
environmental health can simply be understood as the state
of health affected and determined by the environment. It
is the interaction of human health with the environment.
In 1993 AD, World Health Organization (WHO) defined
environmental health as:
"Environmental health is the aspect of human health and
disease that are determined by factors in the environment.
It also refers to the theory and practice of assessing2 and
controlling factors in the environment that can potentially affect health."
In some contexts, it is regarded synonymous to the environmental sanitation.
WHO defines environmental sanitation as “the control of all those factors in man’s
environment which exercise a deleterious3 effect on his physical development,
health and survival.” National sanitation foundation of the USA defines sanitation
as “a way of life. It is quality of living that is expressed in the clean home, the clean
farm, the clean business, the clean neighborhood and the clean community." This
definition gives emphasis on personal activities, behaviour and attitude of people,
the surroundings and neighbourhood as interdependent and indispensable parts of
a whole community. UNO has started celebrating World Environment Day on June 5
every year from 1972 AD)
Every living organism lives in its surroundings. The surroundings is also called
environment. The health of an individual, family, community and country is affected
by a great number of internal and external environmental factors. 'Environmental
sanitation' and 'environmental health' are synonymously used in some contexts.
In conclusion, environmental health can be defined as the state of health which is
determined and affected by the interactions with environmental factors around us.
Now, we can say that environmental health includes all the physical, chemical and
biological factors in the surroundings. We can expect the followings from healthy
environment:
a) Clean surroundings
b) Minimization of environmental pollution
c) We can have healthy lives
d) All living beings have better quality of life
2. Access : ability or right to find and use something
3. Deleterious : harmful; injurious; or hurtful
Health, Population and Environment - 9 147
e) We can conserve and preserve socio-cultural heritage in clean and
healthy environment
(f) Environmental health can improve various aspects of human life
including the status of health, healthy relationship between family
members, mental and social health, and overall betterment of health for
all
7.2 Importance of Environmental Health
Environment education provides us knowledge about the environment and aims to
develop positive attitudes and behaviours towards it. As we live in the environment,
we need proper knowledge about environment. Environmental education is important
because of the following reasons:
a) Environment education gives knowledge and information about the
environmental situations: Such information is useful to bring changes
in attitude and behaviour of students towards the environment. It gives
information about status of natural resources, natural composition of various
factors related to endangered situations of environment.
b) Environment education inputs techniques to conserve environment: This
branch of education teaches us about different methods of conservation of
environment. In-situ and ex-situ conservation methods of rare living creatures,
conservation of abiotic components, and human assistance to the nature
for continuation of natural processes of environment are some of the main
examples focused and taught through environmental education.
c) This branch of education assists people in developing rational attitude and
behaviour towards the environmental situation: Environmental education
helps in changing the behavioural pattern of people to promote environmental
situation and also to be well adjusted in the environment. Environmental
sanitation, protection of natural resources, identification of natural hazards
and many other factors are also taught by environment education.
7.2.1 Techniques of Maintaining Environmental Health at Home and School
Home and school’s environment is very important for us because we spend
most of the time at these places. We can keep the environmental state better
with the following techniques:
a) Sanitation program around home and school.
b) Plantation of trees around home and school.
c) Management of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes
148 Health, Population and Environment - 9
appropriately.
d) Construction of drainage and management of wastewater.
e. Dissemination of knowledge of environmental sanitation and effects of
pollution.
f) Developing habit of using latrine properly.
g) Controlling domestic animals’ activities from polluting the surrounding.
h) Controlling sound pollution from fairs, festivals, industries, factories,
machines etc.
7.3 Environmental Pollution and its Management
7.3.1 Introduction to Environmental Pollution
Advancement and modernization
of human life has been fortified
due to different types of
developmental activities. But the
advancement and modernization
has created a big problem against
the life process of the whole earth.
Main causes of such burdens for
the health of the earth are the
pollutant substances produced
by those development works.
Smoke emits out from vehicles
and industries, liquid and harmful
chemicals flow out from different
industries, dust is another by
product of running industries,
CFC4 (chlorofluorocarbon) used as refrigerant5 agent has depleted the protective
ozone6 layer of the atmosphere and there are so many other hazards created by
the activities of human beings. Human being has been the most active creature
in producing pollutant materials in the environment. Due to this reason, the
natural condition of environment and nature has been degraded in severe
way. The natural and normal proportions of environmental components have
4. Refrigerant : substances used in refrigerator for cooling purpose
5. Ozone layer
: a thin layer of atmosphere made up of ozone gas. Ozone is a light gas made up of
6. CFC chemical bond of three oxygen atoms (molecular formula: O3)
: chlorofluorocarbon
Health, Population and Environment - 9 149
been altered. Such alteration of the environmental components in its natural
proportion is called pollution.
Environmental pollution means direct or indirect changes in the components
of the environment that deteriorate the environment. These changes are
unfavourable to the living things due to new harmful substances or energy in
the environment.
Some human activities like experimentation of explosives, explosion of bomb,
maximum use of pesticides, insecticides and chemical fertilizers and heavy
traffic in city area are some examples of nature-unfriendly behaviours. In the
same way, some social activities like celebration of festivals, organization of
feast and ceremonies also adversely affect the environment.
7.3.2 Sources of Environmental Pollution
Environmental pollution is caused due to various factors like human activities,
industrial wastes, smoke from burning fuels, natural calamities etc. It is
polluted due to human activities and natural processes as well. Some of the
major sources of pollution are given below.
a) Natural Sources of Environment Pollution
i. Global Warming
Global warming is the process of increasing average temperature
of the earth’s atmosphere. It is basically caused due to increasing
production of greenhouse gases like carbondioxide, methane, CFC
(Chlorofluorocarbon), etc. When the atmospheric temperature rise more
than normal, it brings imbalance in the environment. Such imbalance
may result in melting of snow at mountain, increasing the sea-level and
imbalance of the environmental components.
ii. Volcano
When hot molten mass erupts out
from the center of the earth to the
outer surface, volcano occurs. It
spreads huge amount of smoke,
ashes, dust and particles. Sometimes,
such pollutants are produced in
such a big volume that it creates
problem in very wide range of
area. Sometimes, it causes increase in the atmospheric temperature and
destruction of wide range of plants and animals.
150 Health, Population and Environment - 9
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