Why Is Land Considered An Important Resource?

Land is considered the most fundamental natural resource because it is the physical foundation for all life and human activity. Unlike other resources like water or minerals, land is finite, fixed in supply, and immovable.

Its importance stems from several key factors:

• Source of All Basic Needs: Land is the primary source of food and fibre (through agriculture), clean water (via watersheds and aquifers), and raw materials (like minerals, timber, and fossil fuels).
• Space for Life and Economy: It provides the physical surface area required for human settlements (cities, homes), infrastructure (roads, railways, airports), industry, and recreation.
• Foundation for Ecosystems: Land supports all terrestrial ecosystems (forests, grasslands, wetlands). These ecosystems, in turn, provide essential "ecosystem services" like climate regulation, air and water purification, and pollination, which are vital for human survival.

Because all economic activities and life itself depend on the space and resources it provides, land is the ultimate basis of societal wealth and well-being.