You are here:
- What is sustainable development?
- Key priority areas
- Natural resource protection
Natural resource protection & environmental enhancement
Natural resources are vital to
our existence. Our health and well-being are closely linked to the
quality of our air, water, soils and biological resources. Our landscapes,
seascapes and wildlife are inseparable from our culture and inspire art
and literature. Our economy and key industrial sectors are directly and
indirectly reliant on functioning ecosystems. Many people believe
that natural resources have their own intrinsic value, that is, they are
important for their own sake regardless of their functional value.
This page provides a gateway to further information on what the Government is doing to protect natural resources. The Government has worked with a range of individuals and organisations to develop a clear vision and coherent approach for the UK to the protection and enhancement of natural resources. For more information on Government policy associated with natural resources follow the links below:
Key Links:
- What are natural resources?
- UK Sustainable Development Strategy chapter on natural resources (PDF, 1103KB)
Links to Government progress on:
- Natural resources
- Air quality
- Biodiversity
- Fisheries
- Landscape protection
- Land use planning - agricultural
- Land use planning - general
- Marine environment
- Soil
- Water quality
- Forestry
Please note: For links to information on natural resources that are non-renewable within a human timescale, i.e. Minerals, such as fossil fuels, metal ores, gypsum and clay please see the Sustainable Consumption and Production pages.
Updated: 8 January 2009