Strategic Plan For The Use Of Natural Resources

Natural Resource Management

Natural resource management (NRM plan) is a holistic plan drawn up to manage all the natural resources on the farm in a sustainable way to ensure optimal production and improvement or maintenance of the natural resources.

The following specific objectives were developed for NRM plans to guide management strategies:

• To promote sustainable resource use, particularly in sustainable agriculture.
• To protect and improve the condition of the land, water (including groundwater) and vegetation resources support sustainable resources.
• To improve water quality and environmental conditions regarding surface and groundwater systems, as well as wetlands and estuaries and to promote the correct use of water.
• To reverse the decline in the extent and quality of natural vegetation and to maintain and restore the habitat for flora and fauna.

Data needed to determine the present condition of natural resources:

Climatic data – the rainfall, temperature, the first day of frost, heat units.

Soil data – soil type, soil formation, topography, soil fertility.

Veld condition - vegetation /basal covering.

Analysis of the Data

The collected data can be used to make recommendations or decisions but need to be analysed as first to:

• Determine the condition of the natural resources.
• The availability of the resources.
• The use thereof.

The collected data, concerning the natural resources, is now used to draft the short and long term strategies which must provide for:

• The production of different products.
• The management of natural resources.
• The effect of production on natural resources.
• The management and protection of natural resources.

The strategic planning must also include and make provision for the following external influences:

• The local economy
• The availability and costs of inputs
• The world economy
• The demand for products
• technological advances
• the preference of the consumers

All these factors play a role in the decision making as they may change the direction of the production and the production process. The manager must acknowledge these factors to be able to formulate the changing of plans in time.

Recommendations

The collection of data is the foundation for planning. Planning is not a once-off act but changes according to circumstances. These changes must be within the parameters of the strategic plan and be required only because of changes in the internal or external environment.

All the role players must take part in the planning of a natural resource management plan to ensure that all the aspects are taken into account.

Monitor Changes of Biodiversity Over Time

Natural resources must be monitored on a predetermined schedule. These evaluations must be compared to the previous evaluations or benchmarks. The slightest change –– will be observed immediately, enabling management to take action if necessary.

These evaluations will also assist to update production records and getting a general view of the future production possibilities.

A benchmark is a predetermined factor (barometer) - the ideal you strive for - and is used to measure the management plan of the progress of the natural resource - positive or negative. If there was no progress, the situation needs to be addressed and the reasons for not achieving the goals must be identified enabling management to work out new strategies to overcome these problems or shortcomings.