Natural Resource Management

Natural resource management (NRM) refers to the sustainable use and management of the planet’s natural resources, including forests, watersheds, oceans, air and a diversity of plant and animal species.

These and other resources work together to produce the benefits and services on which human existence depends, and are also critical to our livelihoods and well-being. However, human activities are putting unsustainable pressure on the world’s natural resources, and current trends in biodiversity and ecosystem loss are believed to threaten 80 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets related to poverty, hunger, health, water, cities, climate, oceans and land. The areas of the world that will be hardest hit by these changes are home to many of the world’s poorest communities.

NRM is one of the last frontiers to be disrupted by digital technology, but there is increasing evidence that digital solutions can help enhance the quality and efficiency of data collections, engage local communities in NRM efforts, and aid real-time decision making. As well as sharing research and best practice, the GSMA’s ClimateTech team is actively working to help our members and development partners identify opportunities to leverage their resources and technical expertise to help scale nature-based solutions to climate action, reduce biodiversity loss, optimise nature’s contribution to resilient livelihoods and bring long-term value to their organisation.

Exploring barriers and incentives to digital solutions in Natural Resource Management

Sign-up for the upcoming webinar on Tuesday, 9 June 2023:

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 width=Biodiversity loss is an urgent societal issue that disproportionately affects poor and vulnerable communities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is increasing evidence that digital solutions can significantly improve the efficiency, responsiveness and efficacy of natural resource management (NRM) activities.

This research report explores barriers and best practices for digital technologies designed to help communities in LMICs in their efforts to manage natural resources sustainably, based on case studies from Asia and Africa.

Download the report 

Relevant resources

Digital Dividends in Natural Resource Management 

Report: Mobile Technology for Participatory Forest Management 
Video: Why is digital technology vital to conservation in African Parks? 
Blog: Digital Dividends in Natural Resource Management: Part One 
Blog: Digital Dividends in Natural Resource Management: Part Two 
Blog: Looking ahead: Digital tools for natural resource management