Abstract
The natural resources of Africa are defined, explained, and considered in this paper with respect to economics, free trade, and the United States. It looks at the importance of Africa's mineral and fuel and discusses key minerals of each region.

From the Paper
"Africa like most continents is a pastiche of topographies, climates and landscapes - as such its stores of natural resources are varied. Harsh ecological conditions throughout much of Africa account for the fact that agriculture is often labor intensive and few opportunities exist in many rural areas. Wildlife reserves and the ivory trade are consistently monitored throughout the continent with mixed results. In many respects it is Africa's mineral and fuel stores that are of value to the rest of the world. Exploring Africa region-by-region will render ..."

Tags:africa, natural resources, diamonds, aids/hiv, development, petroleum

Abstract
The concept that countries that are endowed with natural resources such as oil, natural gas, and gold should exploit them to promote economic growth and development has long been recognized as one of the fundamental principles of development economics. The principle of comparative advantage also maintains that countries should exploit those factors that they hold in greatest abundance. The revenues that are generated by natural resources can be used to assist in the promotion of economic growth in this view, which will then allow the economy to diversify and produce the kinds of higher value-added goods that are necessary to further accelerate economic development. The resource curse theory. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed and scholarly literature to determine the relationship between economic growth and human capital, and what current theories and models provide insights into this process. A case study of Nigerian underdevelopment is presented to determine how, in spite of abundant natural resources, the country has failed to fully realize the potential of many of its natural resources. Further, research on the role of western nations in conflicts in Africa as an indirect factor for the mismanagement of natural resources in Africa is also provided. A summary of the research, salient conclusions and timely recommendations are presented in the concluding chapter. The paper includes tables and graphs.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of Study
Importance of Study
Scope of Study
Rationale of Study
Overview of Study
Chapter 2
Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3
Methodology
Description of the Study Approach
Data-gathering Method and Database of Study
Chapter 4
Data Analysis
Chapter 5
Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

From the Paper
"While petroleum products are a relative newcomer to Nigeria's "resource curse" mix, coal and tin have been mined in the country since the early colonial period; however, coal production decreased following World War II, as a consequence of the redirection of resources to the potentially more lucrative oil industry. Nevertheless, substantial coal reserves of varying quality remain throughout Nigeria's south-central states (see map at Appendix B) in a strip of country that stretches from Benin to Cameroon. Furthermore, columbite and tin can be found in the Jos Plateau and there are iron-ore deposits in the Lokoja area (situated close to the Ajaokuta steel complex in the lower Niger valley)."

Tags:ISI, production, enterprise, Honey, Pot, globalization

Abstract
This paper will examine the evolution of the economy in British Columbia and demonstrate that it is no longer too reliant on its natural resources. Although British Columbia's export of natural resources is important to its economy, the service sector of the economy is increasing at an enormous speed.

Abstract
A look at conflict over the scarcity of natural resources. The author investigates the conflict over: the degradation of fossil fuels, forests and agricultural land as well as pollution of fresh water and depletion of fisheries. The author argues that scarcity of these will lead to environmental stress and increased economic deprivation leading to social turmoil and conflict, both inter and intra-state.

From the Paper
"The debate over whether environmental scarcity is a crucial factor in conflict and therefore worth paying close attention to in what is perceived as a world of diminishing resources is contentious. In many respects it seems logical to conclude that since so many wars in history have had economic causes then something like the scarcity of natural resources would in all likelihood be a source of conflict in the 21st Century."

Tags:water, environment, war, states, population, climate, fisheries, degradation, depletion, scarce

Abstract
In this article the writer discusses how the world's scarce natural resources often lead to conflict within nations and between nations. The writer also looks at how, despite a tendency to promote democratic institutions in such nations, such efforts are usually in vain.

Tags:Middle East, South Africa, U.S., politics, environmentalism, security, war, Iraq, Hussein, economies, values, oil, minerals

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of managing natural resources, particularly natural gas. It discusses the need for management to address extraction, processing and distribution of natural gas within the United States, as well as to constructively interact with the demands of the rest of the world to secure natural gas imports. The paper also addresses economics, politics and environmental concerns that are relevant to natural gas management.

Table of Contents:
Abstract
Economic Importance
Availability of Natural Gas
Management of Natural Gas
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Holistic management of a complete ecosystem is a highly ambitious goal. It requires enormous effort in developing critical knowledge of the area and how to manage its biological health. It requires conscientious assessment and management of the human activities present in that area. It also requires constructive cooperation between all political entities involved in the use of that ecosystem. This is a tough model the Norwegians have created. It is also very doable. It will test the ingenuity of all involved. If successful it is a model that could be transported anywhere in the world, including the United States."

Tags:petroleum, energy, consumers

Abstract
The writer of this paper clearly details the ecological and environmental makeup of Pennsylvania, while also supplying relevant data and statistics regarding the state's economy. Due to the abundant supply of ore and hardwoods for furnaces, iron smelting became important in the 18th century and by the 19th century, Pennsylvania became the nation's leading steel producer. Although the state still manufactures metal products, chemicals and transportation equipment, this paper describes how heavy industry has declined in recent years. This paper delves into Pennsylvania's rich history while citing several major events. Pennsylvania has also been the site for some of America's most horrendous ecological disasters. In 1889, the South Fork Dam gave way after a heavy rain and destroyed the downstream factory town of Johnstown, killing over 2,000 people in what has come to be known as the notorious Johnstown Flood. The first oil well in the U.S. was drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859. Pennsylvania became a leader in the U.S. iron industry during the days of the American Revolution. This paper also discusses the fact that Pennsylvania spends a disproportionate share of development money on outlying areas while abandoning established communities, just one of the reasons why Pennsylvania still has a long way to go before it will be a sustainable state.

From the Paper
"Pennsylvania's state forest system includes sixty-one special natural areas and fourteen wild areas that are set aside to "protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historic features, or to showcase outstanding examples of Pennsylvania's major forest communities." Generally speaking, sustainable forestry is defined as protecting the long-term health and viability of forests by using management techniques that value "all uses of the forests," thus, protecting the forest "ecosystem, recreation, clean water, and the production of timber for current and future generations." Pennsylvania employs sustainable forestry practices of its 2.1 million acres of state forestlands. In 1998 and 1999, a team of scientists praised Pennsylvania's commitment to its forests and its "exemplary practices and innovation in managing forest resources."

Tags:steel, metal, port, maritime, history, ecology, wood, environment

Abstract
This paper discusses the role natural resources played in the peopling of the Pacific Northwest, including the natural resources that became commodities and how the commercialization of those resources affected interactions between various groups. It looks at what impact the exploitation of natural resources had on the region's environment. The Pacific Northwest is a diverse area full of natural resources that helped it grow and prosper as the population moved west. The writer concludes that many of these resources have been exploited for years at the expense of the area and its people.

From the Paper
"Comprising the areas of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Canada's British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest is an area known primarily for its natural resources and relationship to the environment. The area is primarily broken into two parts by the ridge of the Cascade Mountains. To the west lies the humid and lush western coast, and to the east lies the drier, arid eastern plains. These environmental areas can be broken down into smaller, more detailed regions that relate to their own specific resources. One Northwest historian notes, "Principal resources include: soils, grasslands, minerals, fisheries, water for power and irrigation, forests, wildlife, and scenic attractions" (Freeman and Martin 119). From the explorations of Lewis and Clark to the first trappers who visited the area, it was quite clear it was an area rich in resources and wildlife, and abundant potential."

Tags:environment, region, exploitation

Abstract
This paper examines how much pressure is on some tribes to give up their natural resources. It explains that tribal lands across America are covered with a wealth of natural resources, and because of this, tribal lands have always been vulnerable to attack from outsiders and the federal government. It explains that if the resources are valuable enough, they are worth fighting for. It discusses how many Native American tribes have had to fight hard for their rights and the rights to their own natural resources.

From the Paper
"In Idaho, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe's ancient tribal lands were overrun with silver mines in the nineteenth century, and when the mines played out, all that remained was the environmental damage, as this writer notes. "Over a one-hundred year period, the mining industry in northern Idaho's Silver Valley wiped out most natural life in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin by dumping seventy-two million tons of mining waste into the Coeur d'Alene watershed (Althouse, 2001, p. 721). In 1991, the tribe began their own restoration project, and also filed a lawsuit against several mining companies which resulted in the largest ever natural resource damage suit in U.S. history. The Coeur d'Alene are also fighting about who controls the waters and the water quality of Lake Coeur d'Alene, and they were awarded control in 2000 by the courts (Althouse, 2001, p. 721)."

Tags:indian, tribe, mine

Abstract
Because of its rich natural resources, South Africa has long been the victim of social, economic and political exploitation. European settlers in the 17th century took advantage of the country's location as a port and also began to exploit its rich land for agricultural purposes at the expense of the country's native population. The discovery of gold and diamonds in the 19th century made the situation much worse and the new economy found the natives becoming virtual slaves while their country became colonial. The eventual culmination of this colonialism, apartheid, would have devastating effects on the economic and political power of the natives, power which is being slowly restored by a more sympathetic and modern government.