9.

3 The Importance of Proper Management of Development Activities and the Ecosystem

The need for development and the effects of an increased population on the ecosystem Population of the world always increase, so do their needs. The needs for more food supplies, water, home has led to development. These development involves deforestation, the building more dams, and production of more domestic and industrial waste. The unmanaged and unplanned development leads to a pollution of environment. To reduces the negative effects of developments, human must have efforts to manage the environment properly.

The importance of proper management of development activities Way to balance the needs for resources with the needs to conserve the natural resources. To make a sustainable development without jeopardising or depleting the natural resources. Ensure that short-term gains be balance with the long-term effects on the environment. To exploit natural resources in a sustainable way, so these resources can be replenished and renewed for future generations to continue to use them. To minimize the negative effects of development towards the environment.

Measures taken in the management of development activities 1. Implementations of laws 2. Use of technology 3. Education on the management of resources 4. Preservation and conservation of soil 5. The practice of biological control 6.The use of renewable energy 7.The efficient use of energy

1. Implementations of laws Many laws and regulations are designed to control pollution which affects the quality of lands, air and water. Examples of the act;The Environment Quality Acts, 1974, 1989 *Motor Vehicle Noise Regulations,1987 * Scheduled Wastes Treatment andDisposal Facilities Regulations, 1989 * Clean Air Regulations, 2000 (Amendment) -The National Forestry Act, 1984 - The Pesticides Act, 1974 - The Fisheries Act, 1985 - The Protection of Wildlife Act, 1972

2. Use of technology Install catalytic converters in vehicle to clean up exhaust emissions and convert harmful gases released to less harmful gases. Use unleaded petrol to reduce the emissions of leads into environment. Treat sewage in sewage treatment plants before it is discharged to reduce water pollution. Treat toxic waste from factories before it is discharged into the environment. Use microorganisms to clean up the environment. Develop hydrogen-based fuel-cell vehicle to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.

3. Education on the management of resources The public must be educated on the concept of the4R. Recycle means collecting segregating waste according to the types of materials and turning this waste into new products. Reuse means use things such as old plastics containers and bottles again instead of throwing them away. Reduce means cutting down on the use of materials which are non-biodegradable. Renew means to use materials such as bottle, sand, plastic containers after they are cleaned.

Recycling is important because; Fewer landfills will be needed to dispose of rubbish. It cuts down the use of resources, for example, fewer trees will be cut down to make furniture and paper. It saves energy. For example, less energy is needed to melt down scrap metal and use it again.

4. Preservations of soils Make a sustainable agricultural development effectively. Good farming technique will prevent erosion and soil depletion. Good agricultural practices include; -Crop rotation -Contour farming -Controlled grazing -Planting cover crops -The appropriate use of fertilisers -Effective drainage and irrigations

5.The practice of biological control Biological control is the use of natural predators to control the population of pest species. Examples;- the use of khaki chambel (a species of ducks)to control the population of gold snails(siput gondang emas) which feeds on paddy stalks. - the use of owls to control the populations of rats in oil palm plantations. - the use of the hoverfly larvae to control aphids which feed on crop plants.

6. The use of renewable energy

Renewable energy is energy flow that occurs naturally in the environment and can be harnessed for the benefit of the humans. Renewable energy is inexhaustible and does not pollute the air. Examples of renewable energy; - Solar energy (generates electricity) - Wind energy (to operate windmills) - Flowing water (generate hydroelectric power) - Wave energy (generates electricity) - Geothermal energy (generates electricity) - Biomass energy (produces biogas as fuel) - Gasohol ( converted to ethanol as fuel)- Palm oil converted to methl ester as fuel

7. The efficient use of energy Reduce the burning of coal, petroleum and other fossil fuels. Substitute natural gas for coal at power plants. Improve fuel efficiency in vehicles-use cars that run on energy-efficient engines. Use a cleaner fuel by reducing the content of sulphur in diesel and switching to gas. Improve energy efficiency in factories. Use more hybrid car