Classification of Resources – Types, Examples, and Characteristics
Resources are the backbone of human survival and development. They can be classified in various ways based on their origin, exhaustibility, ownership, and status of development. Understanding these categories helps us manage resources sustainably for present and future generations.
1️⃣ Based on Origin
- Biotic Resources: Have life; obtained from the biosphere (e.g., humans, flora, fauna).
- Abiotic Resources: Non-living resources (e.g., rocks, gold, copper).
2️⃣ Based on Exhaustibility
- Renewable Resources: Can be replenished naturally or artificially (e.g., solar energy, forests).
- Non-renewable Resources: Finite and deplete over time (e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
3️⃣ Based on Ownership
- Individual Resources: Privately owned (e.g., farmland, houses).
- Community Resources: Accessible to all members of a community (e.g., grazing lands, public parks).
- National Resources: Belong to a nation, including land and 12 nautical miles of ocean area.
- International Resources: Managed by international bodies like UNCLOS, beyond 200 nautical miles.
4️⃣ Based on Status of Development
- Potential Resources: Not yet fully utilized (e.g., wind & solar in Rajasthan).
- Developed Resources: In use with tested quality and quantity.
- Stocks: Potential exists but lack of technology prevents use (e.g., hydrogen energy).
- Reserves: Subset of stocks, but technology is available for use (e.g., hydro energy).
Quick Recap Points:
- Resources are classified into 4 major categories.
- Each type has distinct characteristics and examples.
- Proper classification helps in sustainable management of resources.