Wise management of the natural resource base is an absolute requirement of any successful development program because environmental degradation impairs economic growth and the potential for such growth, while deteriorating economies exacerbate and accelerate environmental degradation.
Natural resources are essential to the economies of nearly all developing nations.
Agriculture, fisheries and forestry contribute greatly to economic production in developing countries throughout the world. Such resource-dependent industries rely simultaneously on both the use and conservation of natural resources. Similarly, sustained economic growth depends on sufficient, reliable and environmentally sound energy sources. Competing demands for resources must be balanced to achieve long-term growth. Too great an emphasis on conservation will unnecessarily impede growth, while a focus on growth alone will destroy the resources on which that growth depends.