9.

3 The Importance of Proper Management of Development Activities and the

Ecosystem
1. Sustainable development is the balance between the demands for resources with
the need to conserve the resources.
2. Human activities that are harmful to the environment have a serious environmental
impact.

Implementation of laws
Laws are created to protect the environment.
a) Environmental Quality Act, 1974, 1985
 Prevents and controls pollution.

b) National Forestry Act, 1984

 Protects and preserves our forests and wildlife.

c) Pesticides Act, 1974

 Controls the use of pesticides.

d) Protection of Wildlife Act, 1972

 Protects wildlife.

e) Fisheries Act, 1985

 Controls marine pollution.

Use of technology
1. Modern technology can be used to reduce pollution and prevent further damage of
the environment.
2. Rubbish can be sorted into recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials. Non-recyclable
materials can be burnt in incinerators where heat produced can be reclaimed and used in
heating or to generate electricity.
3. Catalytic converters are used to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides emitted and to convert
harmful gases released during combustion if fossil fuels into less harmful products.
4. Unleaded petrol can be used to replace leaded petrol.
5. Filters are fixed on chimneys of factories to reduce the amount of pollutants.
6. Sewage is treated before it discharged into water.
7. Bacteria can be used to breakdown oil which is spilled in the sea.

3R concept ad introduced to reduce the pollution to

the environment

Education
1. Education is the best way to educate the public on the need to maintain a balanced
ecosystem. In Malaysia, environmental education is one aspect of the National Education
Philosophy.
2. Environmental education is carry out to:
 Increase the awareness towards the environment and its problem.

 Impart the knowledge to society on the environment, problems of the environment as well

as their duty and responsibility.

3. Formal education is carried out in schools, colleges, universities and other
institution.

Preservation and conservation

Preservation involves efforts to protect the ecosystem to maintain its dynamic equilibrium.
 1. Conservation involves efforts to return an affected ecosystem back to its dynamic
equilibrium.
2. Measure that are taken include:
a) Control of grazing by animals
b) Farming along contours
c) Crop rotation
d) Cultivation on terraces
e) Proper use of fertilizers
f) Effective irrigation and drainage
4. Water sources must be preserved to ensure clean water supply.
5. Mangrove swamps are rich in biodiversity. Mangrove swamps are important in flood control,
nutrient retention, sediment control and prevention of coastal erosion. Efforts must be made
to preserve and conserve the mangrove swamps.
6. Forests are conserved by adopting selective harvesting (only mature trees are removed),
reforestation, restoration programmes (restore damaged habitats) and establish forest
reserves to ensure that the genetic diversity of flora and fauna is maintained.

Biological control
1. Biological is the use of natural predators to control the population of pest species.
2. Biological control is better than chemical control which uses pesticides
3. The advantage of the use of biological control:
 Cheaper than chemical control
 Selectivity, it does not intensify or create new pest problems
 The pest is unable (or very slow) to develop a resistance
 Does not affect the ecosystem equilibrium
 It is a safe and effective method that is environmentally friendly

Renewable energy
1) Renewable energy is the energy flow that occurs naturally in the environment and be
harnessed for the benefit of humans.
2) It is inexhaustible and does not pollute the environment.
3) Renewable energy are:
 Solar energy

 Wind energy

 Geothermic energy

 Hydroelectric energy

 Biomass energy

 Wave energy

4) Non-renewable energy like fossil fuels will be exhausted and cannot be renewed if its usage
is not controlled.
5) Use natural gas and reduce combustion of fossil fuels.
6) Invention of the hybrid and electric cars can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Solar panels used to generate electricity with solar energy

Activities related to the management of the ecosystem
1) Human activities can cause an imbalanced ecosystem or even destroy an
imbalanced ecosystem or even destroy an ecosystem.
2) We should be aware of all the activities which can threaten the ecosystem
equilibrium.
3) Many activities can be carried out to encourage the students to care for the
ecosystem, such as build a fish pond, caring and keeping the school garden or house
garden beautiful and clean and getting people to recycle materials.
4) Campaign such as “Environment Day”, “Recycling Day” and “Earth Day” can also
been carried out.