Natural Resource Management in South Asia

4

Land

Introduction

The total land gifted to us by nature is limited, and cannot be manufactured or grown further. It is, therefore, imperative that people make use of this resource with due consideration for biodiversity, ecosystem functions and needs of the human society. South Asia must make the most efficient use of its land resource because it has to provide food, clothing and shelter to an enormous population. Unfortunately, land resources are not efficiently used in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, the region’s largest nations. Until zero population growth is achieved, the pressure on land for competing uses will continue.

The current phase of rapid expansion in manufacturing facilities, irrigation and energy projects, mining and ...