and unhygienic food makes us ill and causes several diseases. Apart from them, people
need to make efforts for maintenance of personal hygiene, cleanliness, sanitation,
management of wastes, control of pollution, etc. for becoming healthy.
f. Education
Education leads us from darkness to light. It gives
us knowledge, skills and understanding on various
aspects of life. It brings change in attitudes and
behaviours of people as well as in physical, mental,
social, economical and intellectual condition of people.
It makes people able to judge right and wrong and
take rationale and responsible decisions for happy life.
Moreover, it supports people to utilize several means Fig: 22
and resources for improvement of living standard.
Hence, everyone should complete higher level of education.
g. Security
Security is also one of the important basic needs in our life. It plays a crucial role in family
welfare and happiness. When people have fear of their life from the enemies or others
either in work place or home, they can neither think well nor work efficiently. Everyone
should feel secured about their life, their family members and family properties. Similarly,
when people have large family and the means and resources in family are not properly
utilized, people tend to have quarrels, conflicts, misunderstanding, violence and feeling
of insecurity as well as fear in the family.
Activity: 1
Visit your locality and collect information from at least 10 families on the basis of
following things:
i. Size of family
ii. No. of children
iii. Availability of facilities
iv. Income and saving
v. Expenditure
Prepare a report based on them and submit to your subject teacher.
Activity: 2
Divide in different groups and discuss about the reason on prevalence of nuclear family
in urban areas and joint family in rural areas. Then present in your class. Prepare a
report and submit to your subject teacher.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 101
5.4 Responsibilities of Parents
Introduction
After marriage, every couple desires to bear
children within few years. Once a child is
born, both husband and wife feel entire
satisfaction and their parenthood starts.
Every child is very important for the parents
and the family. Parents responsibilities are
not completed only after bearing a child.
They must provide better care, nutrition,
education, affection, security, moral lessons,
manners, etc. to their children so that they
become self dependent, disciplined, well Fig: 23
cultured and responsible citizens in future.
Responsibilities of parents can be defined as the efforts and contributions made by parents
for children’s physical, mental, social, economic and emotional development so that they
can become responsible parents and citizens and contribute for society and nation.
A healthy child is a valuable property of every family. Every parent expects to observe
their children healthy and free from diseases. Parents must arrange healthy and nutritious
food, clothing, clean and safe drinking water and healthy environment in the family.
They should inculcate good habits for cleanliness, maintenance of personal hygiene,
sanitation, management of wastes, physical exercises and so on. Thus, the children can
develop positive attitudes and bring change in their behaviours towards healthy living.
Similarly, it is the prime responsibility of parents to motivate their children to achieve
education. They must encourage their children to go to school. By simply enrolling the
children in the school, parents responsibilities are not finished. They must be aware about
their children’s academic performance. They should be in regular contact with teachers
and school management. Apart from that, parents need to help their children in doing
homework. They can arrange some additional academic support if necessary. They need
to guide their children for mental development.
Parents are the leaders in the family. It is the responsibility of parents to maintain discipline
and make their children mannerful and self-disciplined. They need to provide moral
lessons, knowledge on social norms and values, culture and traditions to their children.
They should support children in developing positive attitude so that children always move
in right direction. Parents need to have their eyes on children’s activities. They need to
appreciate the changes during adolescence and provide them knowledge on sex education.
They should try to listen to their children’s problems and suggest them constructively for
their happiness and satisfaction.
Parents want to see their children successful and happy in their life. They should suggest
them to become independent. They need to motivate them to get married at appropriate
age. Even after marriage, parents should guide their children about family life and
continuously share their practical experience for maintaining peace, prosperity and
happiness in life.
102 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Responsibilities of parents for children
Parents have to fulfill various responsibilities for their children’s physical, mental, social,
economical and emotional development. Parents can support their children for their
overall development in life. Some of the major responsibilities are described below:
a. Management of income sources
Parents have important role in the family for the maintenance of peace, prosperity and
stability. Actually, the income of family has vital role for all of them. Sufficient income is
required to fulfill all the needs of family. Parents must maintain balance between income
and expenditure in family. When there is balance between income and expenditure, there
is high chance that all the family members fulfill their requirements. Even there is increase
of saving which can be utilized for various purposes in future. Moreover, there is high
chance of improvement of living standard of all the family members.
b. Provision of education
Education is very important for everyone. It makes
people knowledgeable and skillful. It supports
people for career development and makes people
able to face many challenges in life as well as
take right and responsible decisions. It is the
responsibility of parents to educate their children
and encourage them to go to school. Parents need
to teach good words, good manners and good
characters to their children since childhood. It is Fig: 24
also the responsibility of parents to make children
independent, self reliant, successful, efficient and responsible citizens for nation. Actually,
the educated parents support their children in developing self confidence to become
responsible citizen of nation.
c. Fulfillment of childrens’ need
After the birth of a child, it is the major duty of
parents to care and look after him/her. Parents
must provide healthy and nutritious food,
better clothing, clean and safe drinking water,
entertainment activities and healthy environment
for their proper growth and development. It is
the responsibility of parents to fulfill the needs of
children and plan for their overall development.
Similarly, to help children in socialization, Fig: 25
protect them from hunger, prevent diseases and
insecurity, understand the feelings and interest, behave according to their wish, respect
child right are also the responsibility of parents. When parents fulfill the needs of children,
they tend to remain happy and satisfied. Hence, there is improvement of living standard
of people.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 103
d. Determination of number of children
The married couple needs to plan for the size
of family. Appropriate planning can support in
managing family resources and achieve happiness
in life. Parents need to bear less children. They
must maintain their family size as small as
possible as small family is regarded as happy
family. When the family size is small, even less
amount of income is sufficient to fulfill the needs
of all the family members. Children can be given Fig: 26
better care with small family size. Hence, people
tend to have happiness and improvement of living standard with small family.
e. Birth spacing
Birth spacing is the maintenance of some years of
gap between the birth of two children. It is better
to maintain at least (4 – 5) years gap between the
birth of two children. It is the responsibility of
parents to follow birth spacing if they wish to bear
two or more than two children. When they follow
birth spacing, they can better take care of child.
The child can have more opportunity to have
mothers breast milk. There can be proper growth
and better health of a child. Both the parents have
more time in getting involved in some social and
economic activities. There can be better health
of mother as well. Similarly, mother will have
time for resettlement of reproductive organs. Fig: 27
Moreover, there are less chances of miscarriage
and other complications during pregnancy and delivery time, infections in reproductive
parts with the birth spacing. Parents need to have discussion on use of appropriate kind
of contraceptive devices during birth spacing.
f. Socialization
People need to follow various social norms,
values and activities in society. They cannot avoid
them. They need to adapt with all of them while
living in society. It is the responsibility of parents
to make children follow social norms and values
and support them to socialize. They need to
create environment for their children to mix with
people in society. They should suggest them to go
for picnic, travelling, trekking with their friends. Fig: 28
Parents need to direct their children time and
104 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
again directly and indirectly so as to work in group, maintain discipline, follow norms,
values, rules and regulations as well as take part in solution of social problems.
g. Health care
Children are quite vulnerable for the transmission
of diseases and other health problems. Parents
need to pay special attention for better health care
of their children. It is the responsibility of parents
to make their children free from diseases. They
should vaccinate their children against various
diseases timely based on vaccination schedule.
Parents must take care of their cleanliness and
personal hygiene. Apart from them, to provide Fig: 29
nutritious food, regular health check ups and
manage necessary health care services and treatment whenever needed are also important
responsibilities of parents.
h. Arrangement of healthy family relationship
The main motto of family is to create happiness,
maintain peace and prosperity in the family.
It is not possible to achieve good family life
without better family relationship. Parents can
play vital role for this. There should be mutual
understanding, love, affection, trust, cooperation,
feeling of unity among each other in family.
Parents must love each other, maintain gender
equity, have mutual understanding and co-
operate each other for family welfare. They Fig: 30
need to develop feeling on children for sharing
happiness and anxieties, treat equally and solve the problems unitedly.
i. Marriage at appropriate age
Marriage is compulsory in our society. Sooner or later everyone likes to get married.
It is important to get married at the appropriate age, i.e. (25 – 30) year for both boys and
girls from physical mental, social, economical, psychological, educational, intellectual
and reproductive aspects. The research has shown that married people are more happier
than the unmarried ones. Hence, it is the responsibility of every parents to suggest their
children to get married at the appropriate age and bear children at the appropriate age.
Roles of parents
Parents have great role for maintaining discipline, family integrity, family welfare, peace,
prosperity and overall development of children. The happiness and success of children
also signify the roles played by parents. Hence, roles of parents are very important in the
family. Some of the major roles of parents are described below:
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 105
a. Policy makers (Legislative role)
Parents are the center of family. They direct all the family members. They need to make
rules and regulations for maintenance of peace, prosperity, discipline and happiness in
the family. They should make plans for effective utilization of family resources as well as
management of income and expenditure. They take final decisions regarding education,
health care, nutrition, marriage and other important issues in the family.
b. Leaders/Exemplars (Leading role)
Parents are the leaders in family. They should
set an example and become role model for their
children. Children are highly impressed with
the parents and their behaviours. They tend to
copy various personal, social, moral activities of
parents. They would like to repeat and practice
them in their life as well. Hence, parents should
not get involved into smoking, fighting, drinking
alcohol, taking drugs, gambling, prostitution, Fig: 31
corruption, etc.
c. Educators (Didactive role)
Family is the first school for every individual and
parents are the teachers. Parents must provide
formal and informal education to their children.
They need to teach language, manners, moral
lessons, discipline, social traditions, culture,
religious activities, social norms and values
to their children. They must provide practical
knowledge and experience regarding various
aspects of family life. Moreover, they should Fig: 32
support their children in their academics. They
can manage extra tutorials for their children if necessary.
d. Inspirers (Motivating role)
Parents must inspire their children to become
curious, creative and imaginative. They should
understand the interests of their children and
motivate them to explore on them. They must
encourage their children to go in right path and
not in wrong ones. They need to encourage
their children not to get frustrated and learn
from mistakes. They should boost up their self
confidence and inspire them to do better. Fig: 33
106 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
e. Friends/Pals (Assisting role)
Every parents should behave with their children
as friends. They should create an environment in
which both the parents and children can share
their problems and happiness together. They
must provide time for their children. They should
share their practical experience with their children
which can become lesson in various aspects of
their life. They should get involved in recreational
activities like playing games, watching television Fig: 34
and movies, swimming, cracking jokes, go for
picnic, trekking, visiting outside, long drive etc. together with their children.
Practical guidelines for parents
Parents are aware of their roles and responsibilities towards their children and family.
But many of them, even the educated ones are unknown about what to be done and how
to do well for the overall development of children and for family welfare. The following
practical guidelines can support parents to provide necessary family life education.
a. Give prompt, simple and truthful answers to the questions that children ask about
family life and related problems.
b. Add further information that will develop the child’s confidence regarding family life
matters.
c. Create an atmosphere of harmony and security.
d. Prepare children for development changes in their adolescence period.
e. Prepare the adolescents to make independent choices and intelligent decisions related
to family life problems and family living.
f. Guide adolescents in every field of interest including recreational and social
relationship.
g. Articulate high standards of behaviours without denying the adolescent right to his/
her own feelings.
Activity: 3
Discuss in group regarding responsibilities of parents and their performances in your
class and present separately in group.
Activity: 4
Discuss in group and finalize the conclusion:
a. What do you expect from your parents?
b. What can you do for your parents?
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 107
5.5 Marriage
Introduction to marriage
Marriage is one of the important parts of
our life and is very special for us. It has
been continuously taking place since the
ancient time. Marriage is compulsory in
our society. Everyone likes to get married
at the certain age. A male and a female are
tied as husband and wife after marriage.
They start living together, have sexual
relationship, give birth to children and
continue the generation. Fig: 35
Marriage is a process. It is an institution. People establish a relationship between a male
and a female according to their social norms and values, cultural and religious practices.
Then the relationship between a male and female is legalized as husband and wife as well
as the children given birth by them get social status and recognition.
Marriage is the relationship between a male and female established by some medium
which recognizes them as husband and wife according to social tradition, cultural
activities and religious practices.
Marriage is an eternal, biological and psychological relationship between a male and
female joined as husband and wife.
Marriage helps people to fulfill their biological needs. After marriage, husband and wife
can have sexual relationship which is legal. Otherwise, people are not supposed to have
sexual relationship before marriage. People satisfy their sexual desires and give birth
to children. However, marriage is not only limited to fulfillment of sexual desires. It is
psychological as well. Both husband and wife should have sense of love, understanding ,
sacrifice and compromise among each other. Actually, people are incomplete and possess
many weakness as well. After marriage, people become complete as husband and wife
support each other and each other’s weaknesses are overcome by each other. There will
be sharing of ideas and knowledge. Both of them fulfill their responsibilities well and
solve the problems of family unitedly. They manage family resources. They fulfill their
responsibilities for taking care of children and plan for the welfare of children as well
as entire family. The married couples enjoy their family life happily. In our context, the
couples are made in heaven. Once, they get married, the relationship should last forever.
Some times, there might be disputes and quarrels. But, marriage should not be broken up
and end up in divorce. Hence, marriage is eternal.
Purpose of marriage
People get married for the following purposes:
i. To fulfill biological and social needs.
108 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
ii. To become complete.
iii. To bear children.
iv. To continue generation.
v. To love each other.
vi. To take care of children.
vii. To live in harmony and peace.
viii. To fulfill social, cultural and economical objectives.
ix. To get support of each other.
Types of marriage
Based on certain criteria, marriage can be divided into the following types:
Marriage
On the basis of On the basis of On the basis of
number of spouse marriage arrangement age at marriage
Monogamy Arranged Child
marriage marriage
Polygamy
Love Early
marriage marriage
Polyandry Polygyny
Court Marriage at
marriage the appropriate age
1. On the basis of number of spouses
Marriage can be divided into two major types on the basis of number of spouses. They
are.
a. Monogamy
Monogamy is the custom of having only one spouse at a time. This is common type of
marriage practised throughout the whole world and is easily accepted.
b. Polygamy
Polygamy is the custom of having two or more than two spouse at a time. It is common
among Muslims.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 109
Polygamy can be further divided into two types as:
i. Polyandry
Polyandry is the type of polygamy in which a
female has many husbands. Some years back it was
practised in Karnali region in Nepal. Likewise, in
ancient Hindu epic Mahabarat, Draupadi had five
husbands (The Pandavas).
ii. Polygyny
Polygyny is the type of polygamy in which a male
has many wives. It is common in Muslim community Fig: 36
and various tribes in world.
2. On the basis of marriage arrangement
Marriage is divided into three major types on the basis of arrangement. They are as follows:
a. Arranged marriage
The marriage which is arranged by parents with the
consent of their children at the appropriate age is
called arranged marriage.
Arranged marriage is popular in our country. No
matter, how much educated people are, many people
prefer to have arranged marriage. The parents search
appropriate bride and bridegroom for their children.
They give priority for caste, family back ground, Fig: 37
family status, individuals’ education, employment,
etc. while searching bride and bridegroom. After searching and finding appropriate bride
or bridegroom, with the consent of children, parents fix the date of marriage. Finally, a
male and a female are tied up based on individuals’ social norms and values, cultural
activities and religious practices.
It is the best type of marriage. The couples have less chances of conflict or disputes in
the name of family status, caste or family matters. The family, relatives and society easily
accept this marriage. Children get active support from the parents during problems.
However, individuals may have less chances to know about each others attitudes, interest,
feelings and behaviours.
b. Love marriage
The marriage arranged by individuals themselves at the appropriate age is called love
marriage.
110 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Love marriage is also common in our society. Initially, a male and a female have friendship
and start loving each other. When people are in love affair, they rarely see each others
drawbacks. They have lots of aspirations and dreams which they expect to fulfill or have
commitment on. But, when they get married, they enter the phase of reality. There are
high chances that many dreams are shattered and many aspirations become failure. Then,
there starts quarrels, conflict and misunderstanding among each other. Hence, many love
marriages end up in divorce. Moreover, there are high chances that family may not accept
love marriage. They may have to suffer a lot of problems. But there are certain advantages
in love marriage as well. The couple understands individual feelings and behaviours.
They have less difficulties to start family life.
c. Court marriage
The marriage arranged by individuals themselves
at the appropriate age in court following legal
procedure, getting certificate of wife and husband
and start living together is called court marriage.
This type of marriage is rarely practiced in Nepal.
Fig: 38
Differences between Arranged marriage and Love marriage
Arranged marriage Love marriage
1. The marriage arranged by parents 1. The marriage arranged by
with the consent of their children at individuals themselves at the
the appropriate age is called arranged appropriate age is called love
marriage. marriage.
2. It is easily accepted by society and family. 2. It may not be easily accepted by
family and society.
3. People have more happiness in arranged 3. People tend to have problems in
marriage. love marriage
4. There is less chance of conflict, quarrels 4. There is high chance of conflict,
and misunderstanding among between quarrels and misunderstanding
the couple. between the couple.
5. People get support from parents in this 5. People may not get support from
marriage. parents in this marriage.
6. Individuals get less time to understand 6. Individuals get enough time to
each other. understand each other.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 111
3. On the basis of age at marriage
Marriage is divided into three types on the basis of age at marriage. They are as follows:
a. Child marriage
The marriage in which a boy and a girl get married
before 16 years of age is called child marriage. This
type of marriage is still prevalent in our society.
b. Early marriage Fig: 39
The marriage in which a boy and a girl get married
between (16 – 20) years is called as early marriage. It
is common in rural areas of Nepal. The majority of
children in rural areas get married between (16 – 20)
years.
c. Marriage at appropriate age
The marriage in which a male and a female get
married at the appropriate age, i.e. (25 – 30) years is Fig: 40
called marriage at appropriate age.
Socio-culturally practised marriages in Nepal
Nepal is multi–religious, multi–cultural, multi–lingual and multi ethnic country. Different
types of marriage are practiced by different people and communities in different parts of
Nepal according to their social traditions, cultural activities and religious practises. Some
of them are described below:
a. Betel nut marriage (Supari bibaha)
The marriage in which boy’s party offers betel nut
to the girls party is called as betel nut marriage. If
the girl’s party accepts, it indicates the confirmation
of marriage. It is common in Newar community.
After the betel nut is accepted marriage is not
supposed to be broken.
b. Marriage by request (Maghi bibaha)
It is the type of marriage in which parents
request for the marriage between their children. Fig: 41
The parents themselves ask hand of bride for
bridegroom or hand of bridegroom for bride. If the parents accept the proposal, then they
get their children married. It is common in Brahmin and Chhetri community.
112 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
c. Marriage by running away (Chori bibaha)
The marriage in which a boy and girl run away and get married secretly with mutual
understanding without informing their parents is called chori bibaha. It is common in
every community.
d. Widow marriage (Bidhuwa bibaha)
The marriage in which a widow gets re-married is called widow marriage. It is a social
taboo. According to social tradition, a widow cannot marry again no matter how old is
she.
e. Levirate marriage (Bhauju behorne bibaha)
The marriage in which younger brother gets married with his sister-in-law after the death
of his elder brother is called as levirate marriage. It is common among some ethnic groups.
f. Marriage by performance (Gandharva bibaha)
The marriage in which people get married by
showing special skills and talent is called a marriage
by performance. In Ramayan, Lord Ram got married
to Goddess Sita by showing his strength of lifting
bow in a competition. In Mahabhgarat, Arjun got
married with Draupadi due to his special skill on
archery. It is common among some ethnic groups in
Nepal.
Fig: 42
g. Adultery marriage (Jari bibaha)
The marriage in which a person has to pay some amount of fine for running away with
somebody’s legal wife is called adultery marriage (Jari bibaha). It is not practiced now.
Previously, it was common in the mid western and far western part of Nepal.
Age of marriage
Marriage is an important stage of life. Marriage is compulsory in our society. But people
need to get married at the appropriate age from legal and reproductive point of view. It
is better to get married at the age of (25–30) years for both boy and girl from physical,
mental, psychological, social, economic, educational and reproductive point of view. It
is suggested to have age difference of (4-5) years between husband and wife. Actually, a
female gets mature faster biologically and psychologically than that of a male of the same
age.
According to the law of Nepal, both boy and girl can get married at the age of 18 years
with the consent of parents. But both of them should reach 20 years to get married without
consent of parents. People should not have early marriage and late marriage. Early
marriage makes the health of female weak. There is high risk of termination, complication
during pregnancy and delivery time, increase of fertility period as well as life threat on
mother and child. Similarly, females bearing children after 35 years are prone to various
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 113
complications, infections, improper growth and development of foetus as well as risk of
their life. Actually, after 35 years, changes in hormones and other physiological activities
in females body make the pregnancy a risky one.
Disadvantages of early marriage
Early marriage leads towards various social, economic and educational problems in the
family as well as makes the health of mother and child quite risky. There are several
disadvantages of early marriage. Some of them are as follows:
Both male and female aren’t physically, mentally and emotionally mature for
marriage.
They can’t complete their education and become unemployed or jobless.
There is extension of fertility period in female and possibility of large family size.
A female has lot more complications during pregnancy and delivery time.
There is high chance of miscarriage and excessive bleeding due to immaturity of
reproductive organs in females.
A female delivers underweight baby even before the gestation period.
They lack knowledge about nutritious food, balanced diet and healthy behaviours.
They can’t enjoy fully about the freedom of childhood, child right, etc.
They lack knowledge about family planning, birth spacing and use of contraceptive
devices.
They are emotionally not mature to take care of children.
They are psychologically not mature to face family problems and take right and
responsible decisions.
There is high chance of conflict, quarrels and misunderstanding in the family.
There is high chance of infant mortality rate and the infant may become abnormal.
Children can’t be better nurtured.
Advantages of marriage at appropriate age
There are several advantages of marriage at appropriate age. Some of them are as follows:
Both male and female are physically, mentally and emotionally mature for marriage.
Both of them can complete education and get better jobs.
A female can deliver a healthy baby without much complication.
A female will have less problem during pregnancy and delivery time.
They can know about family planning, birth spacing and use of contraceptive devices.
They can have ideas about nutritious food, balanced diet and healthy behaviours.
They are psychologically mature to face family problems and take right and
responsible decisions.
They have more opportunities for social and economic activities.
They are emotionally mature to take care of children and nurture them.
114 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
They can fulfill the family responsibilities without much difficulty.
There is less chance of conflicts and quarrels in the family.
Activity: 5
Visit your locality and prepare a list of at least 10 families on their age of marriage,
arrangement of marriage, number of children given birth and problems faced in
marriage. Prepare a short report and submit to your subject teacher.
5.6 Planning of the Family
The ultimate aim of family is to maintain happiness, peace, prosperity and welfare of all
the family members as well as improve the living standard. People need to plan for all of
them. They must have pre-plans and preparations for what to be done, when to do, how
to get and where to achieve for various aspects of life.
Planning of family is the overall plan designed for happy life by adequately managing the
family income, family size as well as other resources in family and implementing it. It can
also be said as maintenance of balance among available financial sources with the family
size by means of pre-performance sketches.
There are several things for which people need to plan to gain happiness and satisfaction
in life. Some of the planning which need to be made are:
a. Age of marriage
b. Child bearing or family size
c. Birth spacing and use of contraceptive devices
d. Child care
e. Health care services
f. Maternal care
g. Education of children
h. Discipline
i. Employment services/profession
j. Management of income and expenditure
k. Tours and travelling
l. Entertainment and refreshment
m. Place of settlement
n. Utilization of properties
o. Management of family resources
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 115
Planning of family supports in the fulfillment of various needs in our life. People can have
happiness and quality of life with the proper plannings. Various aspects of family life are
easily maintained with planning of family.
Women’s involvement in planning of the family
More than fifty percentage of total population of
Nepal is covered by females. But the condition of
females in Nepal is not better. Though, it is said
that males and females are equal, we can still see
that females are discriminated in every phase of
life. They are highly dominated in our country.
They are thought to remain in home, bear children,
do the household activities, take care of children,
support males in raising children and so on. They Fig: 43
are given less chances for employment works.
Neither they are involved in decision making nor for planning the family. If a female is
provided with equal opportunities as male, she can do as equal work as male can do and
can give great contribution in every field . She is as capable as a male and she can bring
change in the family. She can work for the entire satisfaction and welfare of all the family
members. She can better take care of children and work as efficiently as male for the
happiness, maintenance of peace and prosperity in the family. She can manage the family
resources and bring change in attitudes, manners and behaviours of children. During
the festivals, ceremonies and some other gathering, the educated women can generate
awareness on other women regarding various aspects of family life like:
Marriage at appropriate age
Use of contraceptive devices
Size of family
First conception at appropriate age
Birth spacing and control of population
Superstitious beliefs on population matters
Employment activities
Women empowerment
Gender equity
Management of family resources
Child care and nutrition
Health care services and immunization
Cleanliness and management of wastes
Sanitation and control of diseases
Women can work as educators, managers, motivators and planners in the family. They
can bring a change in society through various ways. Hence, they should be involved in
planning the family.
116 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
In order to increase women participation in planning the family, the following measures
should be adopted:
There should be generation of awareness to increase consciousness related to
involvement of women in planning family.
There should be compulsory participation of women in every plan of family.
Women should be participated in every aspect of development.
A system to involve women in planning of family should start from the family.
A female should be given decisive role to solve problem in family.
Sufficient opportunities should be provided for women regarding training, co–
operation, family welfare, employment, development, etc.
More emphasis should be given for women regarding parenting, social and economic
activities.
Women should be encouraged to maintain active role in maintaining sanitation,
cleanliness in house and surrounding, protection of diseases etc.
Specially, women of rural areas should be encouraged to play active role in health
care services, use of contraceptive devices, etc.
Women should be active in each work.
Women should be provided the right to spend her earning herself.
Leading women of the society should be acknowledged in topics like size of family,
marriage at appropriate age, first conception at appropriate age, family welfare, etc.
Activity: 6
Visit any five institutions and find out the enrollment of women, their status, position
and role and present in the class.
Activity: 7
“Is it necessary to involve women in planning the family ?” Conduct a speech contest
in class.
Activity: 8
Prepare a short report on active participation and involvement of women in development
activities of your locality. Discuss in group and present a conclusion.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 117
5.7 Ageing and Social Security
Ageing
a. Introduction to ageing
Days and days pass on, people become older and
older. It is natural to become old. After the birth, a
person grows on and enters different stages of life
with the passing of time. No matter how hard a
person tries or whatever the efforts he/she makes, a
person cannot avoid ageing. A person cannot remain
in the same stage of life. Actually, it’s not only human
beings who become old, all the living organisms also
grow old with the speed of time. Finally, whoever
has taken birth in the earth, everyone has to die.
With the passing of time, we observe physical, Fig: 44
mental, emotional and social changes in our body.
When we cross 60 years of age, we have change in physical structure. Our body organs
become weak, immunity power decreases and wrinkles appear. People start to forget
things and decrease in decision power.
Ageing is the process of changing in physique and physical appearance with the speed of
time. It can also be said as becoming old physically and mentally. Actually, ageing is the
process of becoming old.
In the recent time, there has been tremendous development in science and technology,
improvement in health sector, invention of medicines and vaccines, control over wide
range of diseases and enhancement of life style. As a result, there is remarkable reduction
of infant mortality rate, maternal mortality rate and overall death rate. People are
surviving longer, their life expectancy is increased. There is increase in number of old
people in the world.
b. Causes of ageing
It is still a mystery why a person becomes old. Naturally, people become old. The scientists
have given some reasons of ageing which are as follows:
Decrease in immunity power
Decline of cells resulting in weakness
Decrease in physical strength and power
Increase in mental tension
Lack of proper care, nutrition and immunization during childhood
Getting sick to a large extent
Lack of adjustment and adaptation
Lack of fresh air, lack of proper sleep and rest as well as lack of proper nutrition.
118 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Inadequate housing , water, sanitation and family pattern
Nature of diet a person takes Do You Know
Overwork which leads to tear of the body • In hot places, people
Habit of drinking alcohol/chronic alcoholism become older fast.
Suffering from chronic diseases for a long time • Heredity is also responsible
for ageing process.
c. Changes during old age
Various physical, mental, emotional, social and economic changes occur during old age.
They are listed below:
Physical changes
Greying of hairs
Physical weakness
Wrinkles appear and skin becomes dry
Poor eye sight
Hearing problem
Falling down of tooth
Stooping body
Fig: 45
Decrease of immunity power
Touch sensations get diminished.
Lack of sleep
Food digestion becomes slow.
Loss of appetite
The ability to move and coordinate muscle groups decline.
Taste buds grow less sensitive.
Reaction time decreases, speed and accuracy of movement decreases slightly
Difficulty to balance body
Mental changes
Decrease of memory power
Reduction of decision making power
Decrease/diminish of creativity level
Gradual decline of problem solving activities
High devotion to religious activities
Complain more about youth behaviours
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 119
Emotional changes
Become angry fast
Get irritated rapidly
Decrease of interest in family matters
Worried about dark future
Remember old things a lot
Social changes
Decrease of social status
Feeling of loneliness due to loss of spouse, friends
Desire to remain with people of the same age and share the feelings
Feeling of exclusion from the society
Hungry for love and respect from family and society
Economic changes
Loss of jobs and problem of income
Decrease of income source
Dependency on others
d. Problems of ageing
With the passing of time, people become old. It is natural and normal to become old.
So, agieng is not a problem. But various physical, mental, social and economic problems
associated with old age are a matter of concern. People of 60 years and above are regarded
as old people. They are inactive or dependent population and need to be taken care by
others. Due to growing age, they become weak physically. Very often they suffer from
diseases. They loose their jobs and have reduced social status. The government or country
has to make several efforts to address ageing problem. The problems during old age are
listed below:
Health problems are matter of major concern
Frequent attack from different diseases (heart, lungs, kidneys, diabetes, respiratory
problems, etc.)
Reduction in social status and responsibility
Decrease in working efficiency
Loss of jobs due to retirement and difficulty to adjust with change in routine
Feeling of inadequacy in meeting daily life situation arise
Problem in management of leisure time
Involvement in bad activities (gambling, smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.)
Inadequacy of proper care and security
Loneliness
Feeling of no service to others
120 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
e. Ageing population in Nepal
Table 1: Elderly population in Nepal
Age Group Census year
2018B.S. 2028B.S. 2038 B.S. 2048 B.S. 2058 B.S. 2068 B.S.
60 years and above 5.19% 5.62% 5.74% 5.81% 6.5% 8.13%
Source: CBS 2068 B.S.
The above table shows elderly population in Nepal in different census years. There were
5.19% old people in 2018 B.S. in Nepal which reached 5.81% in next 30 years time in 2048 B.S.
In the recent years, there is rapid increase in number of old people in Nepal. It has reached
8.13% in 2068 B.S and nearly 2% more that in 2058 B.S. There has been improvement in
health sector, availability of medicines, control over communicable diseases, reduction in
death rate, increase of life expectancy and increase of heath awareness in Nepal. Hence,
there is continuous increase in number of old people in Nepal.
We can study about life expectancy of people in Nepal from the following table:
Table :2 Life expectancy at birth in years
Census year
Life expectancy at 2018B.S. 2028B.S. 2038 B.S. 2048 B.S. 2058 B.S. 2068 B.S.
birth in years
31 37 45 54.4 60.7 68
Source: CBS 2068 B.S.
The above table shows life expectancy of people in Nepal in different census years. We
can see that people had quite less life expectancy in 2018 and 2028 B.S. which was slightly
increased to 45 years in 2038 B.S . Though the health services were available at that time
but they were inadequate and death rate was high as well. In 2068 B.S., life expectancy
of people in Nepal was 68 years which was more than double in comparison to 2018 B.S.
According to WHO data published in 2015 A.D., life expectancy of male in Nepal is 67.7
years and that of female is 70.8yrs and total life expectancy is 69.2 yrs.
Life expectancy is related with the living standard of people. We can have comparative
study on life expectancy of people in Nepal among people in SAARC countries. The
following table shows life expectancy of people in SAARC countries:
Table 3: Life Expectancy of people in SAARC countries
S.N. Country Female Male Average
1. Afghanishtan 49 48 49
2. Bangladesh 69 68 69
3. Bhutan 69 68 69
4. India 67 64 65
5. Maldives 74 73 74
6. Nepal 69 68 68
7. Pakistan 66 64 65
8. Srilanka 78 72 75
Source: World Population Data Sheet, 2012
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 121
According to above table, Srilankans have more life expectancy and Afghanis have least
life expectancy among the SAARC countries.
f. Caring of elderly people
During old age, people have physical, mental,
emotional, social and economic changes. They
need special care and attention. Several efforts
should be made for their physical, mental and
emotional development, spiritual satisfaction and
overall welfare. Actually, caring of elderly people
is the welfare services provided to old people for
their overall development and to address various
aspects of their life. We need to manage following Fig: 46
things for caring the elderly people:
We must love and respect old people.
We need to arrange nutritious food and balanced diet for elderly people.
We need to encourage them change clothes regularly and bathe regularly.
Special attention is to be paid to health and sanitation.
They must be taken regularly for medical check–up in concerned health centers.
They should not be given any medicines without prescription of medical personnel.
They must be motivated to do light physical exercises.
We should not allow them to do heavy works.
They should be taken for regular walk in open and clean environment.
We should arrange spiritual environment for performing religious activities at home.
The rooms of old people should be cleaned and maintained regularly.
We need to arrange some religious books like Ramayan, Mahabharat, Geeta, Kuran,
Bible, Tripitak, etc. for old people so that they can pass their time easily.
We need to keep them away from gambling, smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs,
prostitution, etc.
We need to make special arrangement in home for exhibition of medals, letter of
credit, letter of honour, etc. presented to old people.
We can take them to visit the religious and cultural heritage sites regularly.
They should be taken to public parks, health clubs, etc. for their refreshment.
We must create happy and friendly environment in our home in order to reduce their
mental tension.
Old people should be avoided from long journeys.
We can arrange meeting programmes of retired people.
They must be given required food and medicines timely.
122 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
g. Importance of elderly people
In the course of time and various stage of life, old people have gained vast experience
on various aspects of life. They are the mirror of civilization, source of knowledge and
information. The knowledge and experiences of old people can be beneficial and utilized
for the overall development of entire nation. We can list the importance of old/elderly
people in the following points:
They are the source of information, knowledge and experiences.
They provide us knowledge and information on social norms, values, traditions,
culture and religious activities.
They have knowledge about past and we can gain information on the history.
They are the pillar of society and source of inspiration for new generation.
They are the mirror of civilization.
They cannot work actively but can guide the youths effectively.
They can take care of children and suggest parents in family matters.
They have wide experience on various aspects of family life.
They are the procreators and can guide us for our bright future.
The creativity and vast experiences of old people can be utilized for development of
nation.
Social Security
The old people, socially backward people, marginalized people have less access towards
various services provided in nation. They may have difficulty in sustaining life. They are
protected and supported by the government through social security.
Social security is a system whereby the state whether through general or specific taxation
provides various benefits to ensure the well being of its citizens. Social security is a
programme launched for welfare of human being. It maintains social justice and promotes
social co–operation and goodwill of every citizen. There has been inclusion of following
things in social security:
Security and protection of people at risk due to lack of life sustaining activities.
Distribution of income and support for consumable goods to poor and helpless
citizens.
Improvement in social condition for respectful life for backward class, marginalized
and endangered people.
The concept of social security started first from Great Britain in 16 century. Later on,
th
it was developed in the USA and Canada in 17 century. The concept spread in other
th
countries as well. At present, various countries practice concept of social security including
Nepal. However, the facilities, services and other benefits provided vary from countries
to countries. Social security is an important aspect of human security and protection. It
ensures security to the weak and helpless people as well as minimize risk in the future.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 123
Directive principles of social security
The directive principles of social security are listed as below:
To promote inclusiveness and social justice.
To increase social goodwill
To reduce poverty and risk
To help in living respectful life
To ascertain basic services
To utilize maximum resources
To measure quality of service delivery.
Various programmes, services and facilities have been launched in different countries
including Nepal based on the above mentioned directive principles of social security.
Programme related to social security in Nepal
a. Social security of working employees
There is provision of security of job, health treatment, pension, gratuity, disabled allowance
and family life employment for the employees.
b. Social security grant
In Nepal, stipends for elderly people and widows have
been started from 2052 B.S. Initially, they were given
monthly stipend of Rs. 100. But, they are provided Rs.
1000 monthly since fiscal year 2072/73 B.S.
c. Food grain aid programme Fig: 47
There has been conduction of food co-operation programme in those places which have
unavailability of food. For example, food for work, nutritious food for schools, day meal
programme, etc. are conducted.
d. Conservation programme
Orphanages, old age homes, shelter for refugees, protection of
endangered tribes etc. are conducted in this programme.
e. Direct social security programme Fig: 48
There is provision of elderly citizens treatment facilities, treatment to elderly citizens, etc.
Activity: 9
Make groups in your class and discuss about importance of old people and their role in
society and present in the class.
124 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Activity: 10
Visit your locality and talk with elderly people regarding their health problems, physical,
mental and emotional changes. Present it in the class.
Activity: 11
Prepare a short report on the steps and measures to be taken for proper caring of old
people. Analyze the causes of negligence and write a conclusion about it.
Summary
1. Family life education is an educational programme which is designed to support
young generations in their physical, emotional and moral development to make
them able to cope with temporal changes like adolescence, puberty and ageing with
an objective of living a better family life.
2. An educational process which assists the members of the family in their physical,
mental, emotional and moral development as they prepare for adulthood, marriage,
parenthood, ageing as well as their social relationships in the socio-cultural context
of the family and society is called as family life education.
3. Family life education provides practical guidelines for the solution of family
problems and better nurturing of children.
4. Family is a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood or
marriage, living under the same roof with the common provision of food, sharing
the responsibilities and other resources together.
5. Joint family is a group of individuals having different age, sex, related by blood or
marriage or adoption, living together in the designated role of father, mother, grand
father, grand mother, uncle, aunt, brothers, sisters and cousins with the common
sub-culture.
6. The family which consists of 1 or 2 adults and their children living together is called
nuclear family.
7. In joint family, good leadership, strong economic condition, mutual understanding,
feeling of sacrifice, compromise, etc. matter a lot.
8. The prime needs which are essential for our proper growth, development and
survival are called basic needs.
9. Those needs which are essential for career development as well as for happiness
and satisfaction are called additional needs. Love and belongings, esteem and self
actualization are additional needs in our life.
10. Responsibilities of parents can be defined as the efforts and contributions made by
parents for children’s physical, mental, social, economic and emotional development
so that they can become responsible parents and citizens and contribute for society
and nation.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 125
11. Marriage is the relationship between male and female established by some medium
which recognizes them as husband and wife according to social tradition, cultural
activities and religious practices.
12. Marriage is an eternal, biological and psychological relationship between a male
and female joined as husband and wife.
13. Monogamy is the custom of having only one spouse at a time.
14. Polygamy is the custom of having two or more than two spouse at a time.
15. The marriage which is arranged by parents with the consent of their children at the
appropriate age is called arranged marriage.
16. The marriage arranged by individuals themselves at the appropriate age is called
love marriage.
17. The marriage arranged by individuals themselves at the appropriate age in court
following legal procedure, getting certificate of wife and husband and start living
together is called court marriage.
18. Planning of family is the overall plan designed for happy life by adequately
managing the family income, family size as well as other resources in family and
implementing it. It can also be said as maintenance of balance among available
financial sources with the family size by means of pre-performance sketches.
19. Ageing is the process of changing in physique and physical appearance with the
speed of time. Ageing is the process of becoming of old.
20. Caring of elderly people is the welfare services provided to old people for their
overall development and to address various aspects of their life.
21. The knowledge and experiences of old people can be beneficial and utilized for the
overall development of entire nation.
22. Social security is a system whereby the state whether through general or specific
taxation provides various benefits to help ensure the well being of its citizens. Social
security is a programme launched for welfare of human being.
Exercise
A. Write very short answer to the following questions.
1. Define family life education.
2. Mention any two stages of family life.
3. What is done in marital stage?
4. What is done in retirement stage?
5. What is family?
6. Which type of unit is the family in the society ?
7. When was family developed in the world?
8. Mention any two characteristics of Nepalese family.
9. In which family are children more taken care?
126 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
10. Which family has more love and understanding?
11. Which type of family is more common in Nepal?
12. Which type of family is more prevalent in urban areas?
13. What are basic needs?
14. Mention the examples of physiological needs.
15. Which needs are very important in our life?
16. What are additional needs?
17. Who has explained about family needs first?
18. What are esteem needs?
19. What is self actualization?
20. Which need lies at the top of Maslow’s pyramid of family needs?
21. What are the responsibilities of the parents?
22. Why should parents manage income source?
23. What is birth spacing?
24. Mention any two advantages of birth spacing.
25. How can parents socialize their children ?
26. How can parents motivate their children?
27. Define marriage.
28. What is monogamy?
29. What is polygamy?
30. What is polyandry?
31. What is polgyny?
32. What is court marriage?
33. What is child marriage?
34. What is early marriage?
35. What is the legal age of marriage for a boy and a girl?
36. At which age can a boy and a girl get married with the consent of parents?
37. What is widow marriage?
38. Define marriage by request.
39. Define adultery marriage.
40. What is planning of family?
41. Mention any two things in which people need to plan ?
42. Why should people plan for education?
43. Mention two things in which females can generate awareness on other females.
44. Define ageing.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 127
45. Mention any two physical changes during old age.
46. Mention any two mental changes during old age.
47. Mention any two emotional changes during old age.
48. Mention any two social changes during old age.
49. Mention any 2 economic changes during old age.
50. How many old people of 60 years and above are present in Nepal according to
2068 B.S.?
51. What is the life expectancy of people in Nepal according to 2068 B.S.?
52. Which country among the SAARC countries has the highest life expectancy?
53. Which country among the SARRC countries has the least life expectancy?
54. Which age group of people are regarded as old people in Nepal?
55. What is social security?
56. Mention any two aims of social security.
57. Which facilities are provided to ‘working employees’ in Nepal?
58. How much monthly stipend is given to elderly people?
59. Which services are provided under direct social security programme?
60. Mention two examples on food grain aid programme.
61. When and where was the concept of social security introduced first in the world?
B. Write short answer to the following questions.
1. What is family life education? Why do we need it?
2. “Family is the place of multidimensional development of an individual.” Justify
this statement.
3. How can we make family life happy?
4. “Small family is happy family.” Justify this statement.
5. “People have more advantages than disadvantages living in joint family.” Do you
agree? Give your logics.
6. Why do you think many people living in urban areas have nuclear family? Give
reasons.
7. Draw a diagram of Maslow’s hierarchy of family needs.
8. Differentiate between nuclear family and joint family.
9. Which type of family do you like to live in ? Give reasons.
10. Why is there high chance of conflict in joint family?
11. What is joint family? Mention its disadvantages.
12. What is nuclear family? Mention its disadvantages.
13. Make a chart which shows classification of basic and additional needs?
128 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
14. Why do we want additional needs?
15. What are the major things people need to have in joint family?
16. Write the differences between basic needs and additional needs.
17. Why should parents fulfill their responsibilities?
18. What are the practical guidelines for parents?
19. Write the purpose of marriage.
20. Make a chart showing types of marriage.
21. Show the differences between:
i. Monogamy and polygamy.
ii. Polyandry and polygyny.
iii. Arranged marriage and love marriage.
iv. Arranged marriage and court marriage.
v. Early marriage and marriage at appropriate age.
22. Why should parents make family size small?
23. How can parents maintain healthy family relationship?
24. What are socio–culturally practiced marriages in Nepal? Explain briefly.
25. What is early marriage? Write the disadvantages of early marriage.
26. What is marriage at appropriate age? Write the advantages of marriage at
appropriate age.
27. What are the things in which people need to plan?
28. Why do people need to plan in life?
29. Why should people plan for conception in appropriate age and place of living?
30. “It is necessary to involve women in planning the family.” Justify this statement.
31. Why should females be made as leaders of economic prosperity?
32. Why are women supposed ideal for the society?
33. Define ageing. What are the causes of ageing?
34. Why is the number of old people increased?
35. Why is the life expectancy of people in Nepal increasing in recent time?
36. Why is the problem of ageing increasing more in developed countries?
37. Why do we need to care elderly people?
38. What are the directive principles of social security?
39. “Social security is a programme intended for human welfare.” Do you agree?
Give reasons.
40. Explain briefly on social security programmes launched in Nepal.
41. Why do people neglect old people in the society and family?
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 129
C. Write long answer to the following questions.
1. What are the characteristics of Nepalese family? Explain briefly.
2. What is family ? Why do we need it? Explain briefly.
3. What are the stages of family? Explain briefly.
4. List the basic needs and explain briefly about them.
5. What are the responsibilities that parents need to fulfill in the family? Explain
briefly.
6. What are roles of parents? Explain briefly.
7. “Marriage is an eternal, biological and psychological relationship between male
and female joined as husband and wife.” Justify this statement.
8. What are the advantages as well as disadvantages of arranged marriage and love
marriage.
9. How can we involve women in planning the family? Explain briefly.
10. List the physical, mental, emotional, social and economic changes during old
age.
11. What are the problems of old age?
12. How can we take care of old people? What is caring of old people?
13. Critically analyze regarding the number of old people and increase of life
expectancy of people in Nepal based on census years.
130 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
UNIT
6 Natural Resources and
Biodiversity
Estimated Teaching Periods: 18
Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives
After completing the study of this unit, students will be able to:
i. introduce natural resources and explain their types.
ii. describe the importance of natural resources.
iii. explain the status of various natural resources.
iv. introduce wildlife and explain its importance.
v. describe the principles of natural resources conservation.
vi. describe the need and measures to care the earth.
Course Outline
6.1 Concept of Natural Resources
6.2 Status of Various Types of Natural Resources
6.3 Conservation of Natural Resources
6.4 Caring of the Earth
Glossary
biodiversity : biological diversity in an environment as indicated by numbers of
different species of plants and animals
biomass : the amount of living matter (as in a unit area or volume of habitat)
exhaust : the mixture of gases produced by an engine
extinct : no longer existing
alluvial : made up of or found in the materials that are left by water or rivers,
floods, etc.
frizid : very cold
endangered species : a species threatened with extinction
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 131
6.1 Concept of Natural Resources
Introduction
Nature is the integration of all the living and non- living things that are seen and found in
our surrounding. All these living things and non- living things found in the nature are the
natural resources. Soil, water, air, forests, minerals, plants, animals, birds, insects, etc. are
the natural resources found in nature. Soil, water, air, minerals, hills, mountains, stones
rocks, etc. are non- living things and animals, plants, birds, insects, etc. are living things.
Nature comprises from micro-organisms and substances which we cannot see through
our naked eyes to very big organisms and objects such as mountains, hills, rocks, rivers,
oceans, seas and so on. They all are very useful to humankind as they provide various
materials needed for fulfilling the human needs. Natural resources are self- created in
nature and there is no human hand and contribution in the creation of them. In other
words, they are the gifts of nature which the mankind can utilize for various benefits. In
short, natural resources are all the resources that are self- created and supplied from the
physical environment of the earth without any human action. Nature consists of both the
things and the natural phenomena going on in nature. The things or objects that subsist
upon nature and are visible or can be touched or experienced such as plants, animals,
soil, water, air, etc. are tangible aspects of nature and the various natural phenomena
like water cycle, season change and other gradual changes taking place in nature are
intangible aspects of nature.
Activity: 1
Make a list of various natural things or objects that are created without human action.
Classification of natural resources
Nature is a complex structure. It is composed of various resources which are important
and useful in different ways in our day to day life. The resources found in nature are
classified mainly into three types: Perpetual resources, renewable resources and non-
renewable resources.
Natural resources
Perpetual Renewable Non- renewable
Solar radiation Fresh air, pure water, fertile Fossil fuel, metal minerals
soil and non- metal minerals
Water, tides, biomass, wind Plants and animals Nuclear energy
Perpetual resources
Those natural resources which persist in nature and are never used up even after their
continuous utilization are known as perpetual resources. Such resources are also called
non- exhaustible natural resources. Solar energy, tidal energy, wind energy and the energy
obtained from the flowing water are the best examples of perpetual resources.
132 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
The concept of sustainable development emphasizes the maximum utilization of the
perpetual resources since such resources are never finished. The utilization of such
resources can substitute the utilization of non- renewable resources which will be used
up after the utilization of them for certain time. Perpetual resources are unlimited and
permanent sources of the materials which we need in our daily life and they are always
filled and are never emptied even after they are regularly and continuously utilized.
Maximum utilization of such resources like solar energy, wind energy and hydropower
can help to reduce the use of non- renewable resources which are limited and need to be
conserved for the forthcoming generation. This helps to minimize the problem of energy
crisis and makes the sufficient availability of the resources for comfortable life of mankind
all the time.
Fig: 1
Tides of ocean Sun Windmill
Renewable resources
Renewable resources are those resources which can be used repeatedly and replaced
naturally. Continuous or repeated utilization of renewable resources can cause the
depletion of the resources but they are refilled naturally so, are not finished. Fresh air,
fertile soil, fresh water, wild and aquatic life, plants, etc. are renewable resources.
Fig: 2
Forest Wild animals
Renewable resources should be utilized carefully and rationally and to the extent
which they can bear. Over exploitation of them causes their destruction and once they
are destroyed it becomes difficult to restore them. Human activities should be properly
planned so that the resources are utilized to meet the daily needs on one hand and are
saved for future on the other hand which is the main principle of sustainable development.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 133
Non-renewable resources
Those natural resources which, once are used up due to their continuous utilization,
cannot be replaced or replenished are known as non- renewable resources. Such type
of resources are limited and once are emptied cannot be refilled. Fossil fuel, petroleum
product, metallic and non- metallic minerals are the examples of non- renewable natural
resources.
Non-renewable resources are very essential in life of humankind but utilization of
them should be reduced as much as possible. Other alternative sources, particularly the
perpetual and renewable resources should be utilized more and the use of non- renewable
resources should be minimized. Recycle and reuse of some of the resources can help to
minimize the over use of non- renewable resources. This helps in saving the resources and
solving the problem of energy crisis on the earth.
Fig: 3
Coal Marble Petrol
Importance of natural resources
Natural resources are of great need and important for all the living creatures found on this
earth. They are very useful to human beings as they are the sources of various materials
which they need in their day to day life. Importance of the natural resources can be stated
in the following points:
i. Source of fresh air and water
Fresh air and water are very essential for all the living creatures including the human
beings to survive. Human life cannot exist without fresh air and water which can be
obtained only from the natural environment. If the water and air are polluted, it causes
adverse effects on our health and we suffer from various types diseases. So we should
try our best to stop air and water pollution in nature so as to make fresh air and water
sufficiently available for us.
ii. Natural habitat
Nature or natural environment is the habitat for all the living creatures. Jungles are the
natural habitat for all the wild animals and birds. Likewise, rivers, sea and ocean provide
habitat for aquatic animals. Similarly, soil or land is the habitat for various insects and
other living creatures. If these natural resources are destroyed, the existence of the life
of these creatures will be in danger. They may extinct which adversely affects in the
134 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
ecosystem. Even the human beings need different materials from the nature in order
to build their home and carry out various economic and development activities. We all
remain safe only if the nature is safe.
iii. Sources of food
Food we need in our daily life is obtained from or grown in nature. Fertile soil is necessary
for growing crops, food grains and fruits. Similarly, the animals and plants found in
nature are also the sources of food supply. We obtain meat, egg, milk from animals and
fruits, edible roots and grains from plants.
iv. Natural beauty
Various natural resources such as green forests, rivers, ponds, lakes, water fall, hills, and
mountains help to maintain the natural beauty. Different species of birds, animals and
biodiversity add to the beauty of nature. Natural beauty and many beautiful places help
to promote the dignity of the country.
v. Tourism development
Naturally beautiful places are the major tourist
destinations. If nature is conserved and the places
are filled with natural beauty, more tourists from
all over the world come to visit the country. As a
result, tourism sector develops and the national
income increases. Employment opportunities for
the local people, earning of foreign currency, growth
of national revenues and improvement in people’s Fig: 4
living standard are some of the advantages of tourism
development which is made possible when the natural environment and natural beauty
is maintained.
vi. Economic development
Natural resources contribute a lot to the economic development of the country.
Development in agriculture sector, trade and industries requires the utilization of natural
resources. All the development activities require the exploration and proper utilization of
the natural resources. Similarly, the wood, herbal plants, other forest products and animal
products and their export can bring a lot of foreign currency to the country. Production
of hydro power, solar power, and wind power can also contribute a lot to the country’s
economic development.
vii. Peace of mind and good health
We find the peace of mind in safe, well conserved and beautiful natural environment. We
can live healthier life in safe and well conserved natural environment. The herbal plants
found in the forests are useful to treat various types of diseases. Living life and regular
physical exercises in fresh and pollution free environment lead to healthy and happy life.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 135
viii. Study and research
Various studies and researches related to the nature/ environment are done in natural
environment. Studies and researches about different animals, plants and other aspects of
nature are conducted in natural environment. Various geographical studies and studies
of science are based on the different natural phenomena that happen in the natural
environment. Nature in this sense is like a big lab where various geographical and
scientific researches and experiments are carried out to find out the facts.
Activity: 2
Write some of the natural resources found in your surrounding and briefly describe
how you have been utilizing them.
Status of various types of natural resources
There is an intricate relation between the nature and human beings. Human beings
depend on the nature or resources available in nature for various things. Similarly, the
conservation of nature also depends on planned decisions and actions of human beings.
In this lesson, we will see the situation of various types of resources.
Air
The invisible mixture of various gases present in the atmosphere that surrounds the earth
is called air. The space above the land mass and water bodies on the earth is the layer of
air which is called atmosphere. It is composed of various gases, water vapour and dust
particles. Atmosphere contains 78.09% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, 0.03% carbon
dioxide and 0.0045 other gases. Carbon dioxide is the heaviest gas whereas nitrogen and
hydrogen are light gases. The gases like neon, helium, ozone are comparatively lighter
than the dust particles and water vapour present in air. When the water bodies are heated
the water changes into water vapour which mixes in the air in the form of gas.
Importance of air
i. Respiration
The main importance of air is for respiration. All living creatures including human beings
need air for respiration. We inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide in the process of
respiration.
ii. Energy generation
Moving air which is called wind is very useful for
generating energy. We can generate wind energy from air.
Electricity can be generated by using wind mills.
Fig: 5
136 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
iii. Determinant of climate
Air is one of the major factors to determine the climate of a place. Air which contains
water vapour causes rain fall whereas the dry air which does not contain water vapour
does not cause rain. So the climate is humid or arid depending on the nature of air.
iv. Pollination
Air is important means for pollination in plants. Plants yield fruits and seed when
pollination takes place by means of air.
v. Photosynthesis
Plants need carbon dioxide to prepare their food by photosynthesis.
vi. Winnowing
Air is needed to separate the grains from their cover and other unnecessary things.
Fig: 6
Pollination Winnowing
Water
Water is the compound formed by combination of hydrogen and oxygen. It is one of the
important resources found in nature. It has occupied around two third of the total area of
the earth. Even our body has contained more than 70% of water. Of total water found in
the world,only around 3% is fresh and drinkable. Remaining 97% contains salt and is not
safe for drinking. Oceans, seas, rivers, ponds, lakes, streams, waterfalls, wetlands are the
various sources of water. Nepal is said to be second richest country in the world in terms
of water resources after Brazil. The water resources are classified into surface water and
underground water.
Fig: 7
Ocean River Lake
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 137
Surface water
The water which is found on the earth’s surface
is called surface water. Rivers, ponds, lakes, sea
and ocean are some examples of surface water.
Rain is the main source of surface water. There are
around six thousands rivers in Nepal as the main
sources of surface water. The volume of such
water increases in rainy season and decreases in
dry season. However, the big and perennial rivers
like Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali which spring Fig: 8
from the Himalayan region contain large volume
of water throughout the year.
Underground water
Underground water is the water which is found
under the ground. It is extracted by digging
well or through deep boring. Well, pumps and
kuwa are some examples of underground water.
According to the report of ICIMOD (International
Center for Integrated Mountain Development)
and ADB (Asian Development Bank), there is
about 12 cubic kiloliter of underground water in
Nepal. In Nepal, underground water is available
50 feet below in Bhabar region and 5 to 10 feet Fig: 9
below in the mid Terai region.
Importance of water
i. Sustaining life
Water is one of the very basic needs for sustaining life. We cannot live without water.
Fresh and safe drinking water is directly related to our health and life.
ii. Performing daily activities
Most of our daily activities require the use of water. Water is needed to cook food, take
bath and wash clothes, clean utensils and so on.
iii. Hydropower production
Water resource is one of the main resources for
producing energy. Big and fast flowing rivers
are suitable for hydro power production.
Fig: 10
138 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
iv. Irrigation
Water is needed for irrigating the fields for
growing crops. Rain water and river water
are used to irrigate the crop fields. Extracted
underground water and water supplied through
canal are also used for irrigation.
v. Running industries Fig: 11
Water is also needed for running various types of industries.
vi. Transportation and recreation
Water is needed for transportation. Many
countries carry out their foreign trade by means
of water transportation. Ships are sailed across
seas and oceans to transport goods from one
country to another. Similarly, various water fun
activities like boating, rafting, and swimming can
be enjoyed in water. Fig: 12
Land/Soil
Land is the outer part of the earth. The superficial part of the earth is called crust. The
structure of the land of a place or country is different depending upon the geological
structure, nature and types of rocks and natural formation of land. Soil is formed through
the weathering of rocks, decomposition of plants and animals and other various physical
and chemical processes. It takes long period of time to form the soil through these
processes. Formation of soil largely depends on climate, topographical structure, time,
type and nature of rocks and various biotic activities in that particular place. In some
places, the process of soil formation is quick while in some places it takes hundred and
thousand years. The land of Nepal is divided into three regions on the basis of natural
structure. They are as follows:
Mountain region
The mountain region lies towards the northern
side of Nepal. This region consists of the soil
formed from the sedimentary rock. Mostly sandy
and silt soil is found in this region which is not
fertile for cultivating crops. This region is more Fig: 13
covered with rocks and stones. Crops like potato,
barley etc. are grown in this region.
Hilly region
Hilly region lies in between the mountain region
in the north and the terai region in the south.
The soil of this region is formed of igneous and
sedimentary rocks. It is of mixed type, i.e. the Fig: 14
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 139
mixture of silt, clay and loam. The soil in this region is loose and fragile which is more
exposed to erosion. However, the soil of this region is more fertile and of better quality
than that of the mountain region.
Terai region
The land of the terai region is plain and lies in
lower altitude. The soil found here is alluvial
which contains more humus. The plants and
other organic materials flooded down by the rain
water and river are deposited in the plain land of
terai which in the course of time turn into humus
and mix with the top soil which makes the soil
more fertile. Plain land and fertile soil are the
main reasons for why more amount of grains are
grown in this region and this region is called the Fig: 15
granary of Nepal
Importance of land /soil
i. Shelter
Most of the living creatures including human beings live in land. It has provided shelter
to many types of animals, insects including us.
ii. Economic activities
Agriculture, animal husbandry and many other economic activities of people are carried
out in land and soil. We grow various food crops and cash crops in soil.
iii. Minerals
Various types of minerals are found and obtained from the land. Land is the source of
many treasures which are valuable and useful to us.
Forest resource
Forest resource is one of the most important natural resources available in nature.
According to the report of the Department of Forest Research and Survey in 2015 AD,
around 44% of total land of Nepal is covered by the forest resources including other
wooded land. Still more than 50% of total population of Nepal depends on the forest
resource for firewood. In Nepal, there are different types of forests due to variation in
altitude and climate. Plants or trees found in the terai are similar to those found in tropical
climatic region. In hilly and mountain region in the middle and north, the plants or trees
are more similar to those found in the temperate and frigid zone respectively. The forests
are divided into different types on the basis of the types and features of the vegetation. In
Nepal, the forest resources are divided into following four groups.
140 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Tropical forests
Tropical forests in Nepal are found up to the
altitude of 1000 m in the eastern part and 1200
m in the western part of the terai in the southern
belt. These forests are mainly found in the terai
and lower altitude of chure range, dun region and
to the south of the Mahabharat range. The trees
and plants are of evergreen type due to hot and
humid climate. The forest of this region comprises
the trees like saal, sisau, khayar, simal, jaamun,
chaanp, bamboo, etc. The wood obtained from
saal, sisau khayar are useful for making timber and Fig: 16
furniture. Dense tropical forests provide shelter to Tropical forest of Nepal
many birds and animals such as elephant, tiger,
apes, deer, rhinoceros, etc.
Sub-tropical forests
Subtropical forests in Nepal are found between
1200 m and 2000 m altitude in the western part
and 1000m and 1700m altitude in the eastern part
of Nepal. These types of forests are mainly found
in lower belt of the Mahabharat range and in
higher altitude of chure range and dun region. In
the lower altitude, the trees like peepal, bar, simal, Fig: 17
uttis, bamboo, nigalo, etc. are found and in the
higher altitude the trees like pine, rhododendron Sub-tropical forest of Nepal
are found. Grasses like khar, babiyo and kaans are found in many places in this region.
Temperate forests
Temperate forests are found between the lower
mountain range and upper Mahabharat range.
These forests are further divided into two groups:
Lower Temperate Forests and Higher Temperate
Forests. The belt lying between 2000m and 2700m
in the western part and 1700m and 2400m in
the eastern part of Nepal is the belt of the lower
temperate forests. Similarly, the belt lying between Fig: 18
2700m and 3100m in the western part and 2400m
and 2800m in the eastern part is the belt of higher Temperate forest of Nepal
temperate forests. These types of forests have extended along the mahabharat range from
the east to the west. Cold climate hinders the growth of the trees. Rhododendron, Khasru,
dhoopi, debdaar, phalaant and different types of pine are the main trees found in this
region. Timur, chiraito, paanch aule, jatamasi are some of the herbal plants found in this
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 141
region. The wood obtained from the trees of this region is useful to make furniture, paper,
medicines and paint.
Alpine forests
Alpine forest region is also divided into two sub- regions: Lower Alpine region and Upper
Alpine region. The region between 3000m and 4200m altitude in the western part and up
to 3000m altitude in the eastern part of Nepal is the lower alpine region. In this region, the
forests are sparse with some trees of rhododendron, pine and dhupi. Short bushes and
butyans are also found in this region. Cold climate hinders the growth of tall trees. Trees
are short and cone shaped. The altitude of 4000m is considered as the tree line beyond
which no trees grow. The region above is called upper alpine region where no trees are
found. Only some bushes, butyans, grasses and mosses are found in this region.
Importance of forest resources
Wood and timber
Forests are the main sources of timber which is used for making furniture, paper, paint,
etc. It is the main source of firewood for many people of our country.
Shelter
Forests provide natural shelter to birds and animals. It helps in the protection of
biodiversity.
Herbal plants/medicines
Forests are the sources of various types of medicinal plants like paanch aule, jatamasi,
timur etc.
Pleasant climate
Forests or plants play important role to maintain mild and moderate climate which is
pleasant for human life. Plants or trees cause enough rain which is necessary for various
purposes.
Balance in atmosphere
Plants/ trees consume carbon dioxide and release oxygen which helps to maintain balance
in the amount of oxygen in atmosphere.
Conservation of soil
Trees/ plants hold the soil tightly and prevent soil erosion.
Wildlife
Nepal has its own unique identity regarding biodiversity. Wildlife diversity is a notable
feature of Nepal. Nepal is rich in biodiversity due its great variation in altitude, climate,
geographical structure and natural vegetation. According to Nepal National Biodiversity
Strategy and Action Plan, 2014-2020, there are 6973 species of flowering plants, 212 species
of mammals, 876 species of birds, 651 species of butterflies, 5052 species of insects and 230
142 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
species of fish in Nepal. Nepal is also the habitat of the bird only found in Nepal called
Spiny babbler. Similarly, many endangered animals like Bengal tiger, One- horned rhino,
Snow- leopard, and Red panda are also found in Nepal. Gharial, python, and different
species of snakes are also found in Nepal. Wildlife and plants are of great importance
in ecosystem. Each creature has played vital role to maintain balance in ecological
environment. So, wildlife should be protected.
Importance of Wildlife
Enrich biodiversity
Wildlife and their protection helps to enrich
biodiversity which is an important natural wealth
of the nation.
Balance in ecosystem Fig: 19
Wild animals, birds, insects and plants have their own important role to maintain balance
in ecosystem.
Wildlife tourism
Biodiversity found in the country is one of the attractions for the tourists. Many tourists
from all over the world come to visit Nepal to see different endangered animals.
Raw materials
The products of some wild animals are used as raw materials to make various leather
items and items for decoration purposes.
Studies and researches
Zoologists and Ornithologists can study about or carry out various types of researches on
animals and birds.
Minerals
Minerals are substances that are formed naturally and are found in the earth. Mineral is
one of the main natural resources found in Nepal. The geological survey in a scientific
way and excavation of mineral in Nepal started from the year 2024 BS. At present, there
are various mineral based industries run in Nepal. Cement factory, marble factory, and
industries to manufacture metallic products are run in different places of Nepal. The
following minerals are found in different places of Nepal.
Iron
Iron is one of the main minerals found in Nepal.
According to survey for minerals, Phulchoki
hill of Lalitpur is famous for iron. Ramechhap,
Chitwan, Makwanpur, Nuwakot and Pyuthan
are some of the places in Nepal where iron is said
to be found.
Fig: 20
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 143
Copper
It has been found through survey that copper is found in different places of Nepal.
Makwanpur, Tanahu, Gorkha, Nuwakot, Ilam, Taplejung and Sindhupalchowk are some
the places in Nepal where copper is said to be found. Copper is used for making utensils,
electric gadgets, electric wire and so on.
Lead
Lead is one of the important minerals found in Nepal. It has been found in Makwanpur,
Baglung, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Baitadi and Nuwakot districts on Nepal.
Limestone
Limestone is found in Chovar of Kathmandu, Godawari of Lalitpur and Bhaise of
Makwanpur. It is used as raw material in cement factory.
Fig: 21
Lead Limestone
Magnesite
It is an important non- metallic mineral which is mainly found in Dolakha and Udayapur
districts of Nepal.
Fig: 22
Magnesite Coal Zinc
Coal
Coal is found in inner part of chure range. It is commonly found in Dang, Kailali, Salyan,
Kanchanpur, Chitwan district and in some places of Kathmandu valley.
Zinc
It is mainly found in Kathmandu, Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchowk districts.
144 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Nickel
Nickel is found in Ramechhap, Sindhupalchok and Dhankuta districts.
Slate
Slate is found in Tanahu, Kaski, Gulmi, Bajhang and Dhading. Eastern central and western
hilly regions of Nepal are said to have huge deposit of slate.
Gold
Gold is said to be found mainly in Sunkoshi, Kali Gandaki, Marsyangdi, and Budhi
Gandaki rivers of Nepal.
Petroleum
It is mainly found in Mustang, Dailekh, Dang, Salyan, Jhapa, Morang, and Surkhet
districts. The feasibility study of petroleum has been done in ten districts on the Terai
region.
Activity: 3
Prepare a report on the status of natural resources found in your locality and present
the report in the class.
6.3 Conservation of Natural Resources
Natural resources are indispensable aspects of human life. We live in nature and use
natural resources to fulfill our various needs. Our happy, healthy and prosperous life
depends on the wise utilization of natural resources and conservation of nature. All the
human activities from work to various development activities and scientific researches
require the use of natural resources. There is an intricate relationship between human
beings and nature. Almost all the materials required by us are obtained from nature and
its conservation depends on the rational utilization of the resources found in nature.
Nature, natural resources and the various phenomena that happen in nature should not
be harmed. Destruction of nature and natural resources causes threat in the existence of
human life. So, our each and every activity and decision should be planned and thoughtful
and should not cause destruction of nature and natural resources.
Principles of natural resource conservation
There are mainly two principles of conservation of natural resources.
Principle of absolute conservation
Principle of absolute conservation states that the resources should be conserved by
completely stopping the use of them. To let the natural resources be in the same position
as they have been made by the nature without using them is the concept of absolute
conservation of nature.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 145
It focuses on keeping the quality and quantity of resources intact. But this principle is
more ideal not real and practical since it is not possible for us to live without utilizing
them at all. The efforts and programmes made or launched under this principle have
not become much effective and successful. But this principle is the best in case of the
conservation of those resources which are at the brink of extinction.
Principle of relative conservation
Principle of relative conservation states that the resources should be conserved along
with using them in planned and rational ways. This principle holds the view that the
resources available in nature are to be used for our benefits but in name of benefiting from
their use we should not destroy them. It includes the integrated concept of consumption
and conservation. However, over-exploitation of the resources due to unplanned and
unthoughtful decision and economic activities leads to the destruction of nature and
natural resources. The resource we use today should be conserved for the future generation
as well. They also have to utilize the resources and live comfortable life. So, principle of
relative conservation of resources encompasses the sustainable use of natural resources.
Differences Between the Principle of Absolute Conservation and Principle of Relative
Conservation
Absolute Conservation Relative Conservation
1. This principle directs not to use the 1. This principle allows to use the
resources at all. resources but in careful way.
2. This principle is more applicable in the 2. This principle is more applicable in
conservation of non- renewable resources the conservation of perpetual and
and rare and endangered animals. renewable resources.
3. This principle becomes more effective 3. This principle becomes more effective
in zoo, national park and conservation in programmes such as community
areas. forests, bee keeping, fish farming, etc.
4. It is more theoretical or ideal concept. 4. This is more practical concept.
Conservation and use of natural resources
It is the integrated concept of consumption as well as the conservation of natural
resources. This concept emphasizes on the planned and careful utilization of the resources
and conservation of them at the same time. Resources are not only for consumption but
for conservation as well. This concept states that the resources should be utilized but
the quality and quantity should not be decreased. Forests resources should be used for
wood, firewood, furniture but at the same time we should not forget to plant new trees
to compensate for the trees cut down. Similarly, the water resources should be utilized
but at the same time the pollution in water resources and desertification of the places
should be stopped. Our various economic and development activities that we carry out
in nature should not cause destruction of nature and natural resources. For example,
while constructing road, the forest resources should not be destroyed. Similarly, while
utilizing the water resources for harnessing hydroelectricity they should not be polluted.
146 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
Conversational use of natural resources is the concept of the principle of sustainable
development.
General principle of conservation of natural resources includes the following concepts:
i. Utilization and conservation of renewable resources
ii. Control environmental pollution and conserve nature
iii. Reuse and recycle the resources
iv. Rational use of non- renewable resources
v. Use of alternative resources
vi. Maximum utilization of perpetual resources
6.4. Caring of the Earth
Introduction to care of the earth
The earth is the common home to all the living creatures
including different species of animals and plants. It is
the only planet where human life is possible. So, it is
necessary to care for and conserve the earth. In fact, our
bright and prosperous future is ensured only when the
earth is conserved.
The World Conservation Strategy has asserted the policy
based aspects of world natural resource conservation
and sustainable development. The strategy has
directed all concerned to carry out the development
and conservation of natural resources in an integrated Fig: 23
way. It has assisted in the formulation of appropriate
policy regarding the care for the earth and sustainable Earth
development. The Earth Conservation Strategy has been drafted with the joint effort of
The World Conservation Union- IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature),
UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and WWF (World Wildlife Fund).
These organizations have emphasized the sustainable living of life. These organizations
are committed to execute the principles of sustainable development.
The governments, international agencies and non-governmental organizations have
ratified this strategy of caring for earth. The strategy was launched together in London, New
York, Tokyo, Kathmandu and in more than 55 other cities. The strategy has emphasized
the conservation and improvement of natural environment. It has also emphasized the
conservation of biodiversity, resource conservation, implementation of the principles of
sustainable development and improvement in the living standard of the people.
Public awareness should be increased and efforts should be organized to control different
types of pollution on natural environment and care for the earth. Resources available
in the nature should be utilized in a rational way. Sustainable use of natural resources
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 147
should be emphasized and resources should be saved for future generation as well. If we
save the earth, we all remain safe in it but if it is destroyed, our future will be at risk.
Important principles of caring the earth
i. Principle of conservation of biodiversity
ii. Principle of rational use of natural resources and sustainable development
iii. Principle of conversational utilization of renewable resource and conservation of
non-renewable resources.
iv. Principle of utilization of alternative sources of energy
v. Principle of concept of reducing the risks of human life through the conservation of
the earth.
Earth as a living planet
The earth is the only living planet in the solar system. Location, temperature, climate,
season change, rotation and revolution are some of the features of the earth. Temperature
is pleasant and environment is favorable on the earth as it is located around 15 crore
kilometer away from the sun. It means the distance of the earth from the sun is neither too
close nor too far. Suitable temperature, favourable climate, availability of water resources,
greenery and other resources are reasons for why the earth is human inhabited planet.
The earth is composed of various abiotic and biotic components and each component is
the constituent of the natural environment. If any one of the components is harmed, the
whole ecosystem will be in imbalance.
The earth is the common habitat of all the living creatures. Each creature has its own role
and importance to maintain in ecosystem. So, each creature should be protected. The
creatures from microorganism to big creatures equally contribute to conserve nature and
maintain balance in ecosystem. Destruction of resources and pollution of environment
should be stopped. The earth should be maintained a safe and common habitat for all the
creatures found in the nature.
Some of the special features of the earth are as follows:
Natural structure of land
3 1
Around of the total area of the earth is occupied by the water bodies and remaining
4
4
parts is of the land. The surface of the earth is not even. It is different in different places.
Highlands, lowlands, valleys, mountain, and plain land are various natural forms of land.
Climate, natural environment and biodiversity are different in different land forms.
Air
The earth has been surrounded by a layer of air which is called atmosphere. It is composed
up of various gases. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, water vapour, dust
particles and so on. Oxygen is needed by animals for breathing. Ozone layer protects the
148 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
earth from the ultra-violet rays that come from the sun. Plants need carbon dioxide for
preparing food. Air in atmosphere is very important and useful for all the living creatures
living in the earth.
Season change
The earth revolves round the
sun which causes the change
in seasons. The amount of
solar radiation is not even in
all the places on the earth.
It means some parts receive
more amount of solar radiation
while some other parts receive
less amount of it. As a result,
the places receiving more sun
heat have summer season and Fig: 24
the places with less sun heat Season change
have winter season. This also affects the range of temperature, pattern and amount of
precipitation and over all climatic condition of different places. Different types of living
creatures are found in different climatic conditions.
Water
3
About of the total area of the earth is occupied by the water bodies. Water bodies are
4
usually found in low lands and in seas and oceans. Water bodies present on the earth have
made it humid. Water bodies contribute significantly to maintain the mild and moderate
climate which is suitable for living. Water found on the earth is one the reasons for the
existence of different types of living creatures and plants.
Heat and light
Sun is the main source of heat and light on the earth. The heat and light obtained from the
sun is very useful for plants and animals. Plants make food with the help of the sunlight.
Similarly, heat and light help the plants to grow. Heat of the sun is used for generating
solar power. It causes the evaporation process which eventually causes rainfall.
Food
Food is needed by every living thing to survive. Plants prepare their own food by
photosynthesis. Plants provide food to human beings and animals. Herbivorous animals
obtain their food from plants and carnivorous animals obtain their food from other
animals. All these foods for all the living beings are found in nature.
Recycling
Animals and plants living in this earth die ultimately. After they die, they get decayed and
make humus and mix in the top soil. This makes the soil fertile. In fertile soil, plants grow,
bear flowers and fruits which are again consumed by the animals. In this way, the process
of being born and dying has been going on continuously.
GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9 149
Need of caring for the earth
The earth is the place where we live in. It is our home. Our happy, healthy and prosperous
life depends on the conservation of the earth. We are very fortunate to be born in this
earth because we have got to see the world and experience the life in this earth. The
sources of food, clothes, shelter, water, air which we need to survive are available in this
earth. Human beings in this world have shifted from the stone- age society to the modern
and civilized society by utilizing the resources available on the earth. The resources found
on the earth and their utilization has facilitated the human beings to advance in various
fields such as trade, industries, medicines science and technology and so on. To care and
conserve the earth is to help continue the existence of all the living things and non- living
things. It is necessary to care and conserve the earth mainly for the following reasons:
i. Conservation of natural heritages
Different natural heritages are found on the
earth. Biodiversity, rivers, lakes, beautiful water
falls, snow clad mountain, green hills, fertile
soil, natural beauty are the natural heritages
found in the earth and it is necessary to care
for the earth to conserve them. Conservation of
natural heritages helps to make our life more
convenient and comfortable on one hand and
increases the natural beauty of the earth on the
other side. It is necessary to care and conserve
the earth to minimize the adverse effects on Fig: 25
nature and natural environment.
ii. Conservation of biodiversity
The earth is the natural habitat of all the
plants and animals. All these animals and
plants can survive only when the earth is safe
and conserved. Life cannot exist in adverse
environment. So, it is necessary to maintain
favorable environment for all the living
creatures to survive. Biodiversity is an important
natural heritage and different animals and
plants have been playing important roles to
maintain balance in ecosystem. Therefore, it is Fig: 26
necessary to care and conserve the earth.
Measures to care the earth
There is a close relation between the earth and the human beings living in it. Human
beings obtain everything they require from the earth. We live and develop in the earth.
So, we should take necessary measures to care and conserve the earth. We can do the
following things to care and conserve the earth:
150 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9
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