IB ESS HL 7.1 Natural Resource Use and Management Question Bank
Practise IB ESS HL 7.1 by analysing resource evidence and evaluating environmental impact assessment, extraction and insecurity.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Analyse natural capital stocks, natural income and ecosystem-service flows in a named case.
- Evaluate renewable, replenishable and non-renewable resources using sustainable yield and share data.
- Design or evaluate an EIA using baseline surveys, impact prediction, stakeholder input and monitoring.
- Evaluate resource extraction or insecurity through supply, conflict, ecosystem impacts and long-term availability.
Covered syllabus points
7.1.1—Natural resources definition7.1.2—Natural capital7.1.3—Natural income7.1.4—"Natural capital" perspective7.1.5—Ecosystem services7.1.6—Resource classification7.1.7—Natural capital value types7.1.8—Dynamic natural capital value7.1.9—Sustainable natural capital use7.1.10—Resource security7.1.11—Resource-use choices7.1.12 (HL)—Natural capital management strategies7.1.13 (HL)—SDGs and resource management7.1.14 (HL)—Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)7.1.15 (HL)—EIA guidance variation7.1.16 (HL)—Public EIAs7.1.17 (HL)—Renewable resource extraction7.1.18 (HL)—Short-term economic interests7.1.19 (HL)—Resource insecurity impacts7.1.20 (HL)—Resource security strategies7.1.21 (HL)—Economic globalization
7.1 Natural resources—uses and management question 1
[Maximum number: 1]
Figure:Fact file on Mindo cloud forest
Figure: Fact file on Mindo cloud forest
Only one third of Ecuador’s identified cloud forest sites are protected. The Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest reserve forms part of several protected areas across Ecuador. The Mindo cloud forest covers 268 km2 and is home to several indigenous subgroups of the Quichua people. The village of Mindo is west of the reserve and is known for chocolate made from locally grown cacao. Organizations work with local farmers to find alternatives to cattle ranching and with indigenous groups to develop more sustainable agricultural practices, reducing habitat destruction.
Outline how the cloud forest may provide a named example of natural income.
a. Growth of vegetation can provide yields of timber/wood resources/fire wood/food/cacao/medicinal plants (if harvested within MSY);
b. Forest can provide a sustainable/annual yield of timber/wood resources/fire wood/food/cacao/honey/medicinal plants (if harvested within MSY);
c. Forest can provide erosion control through root systems/interception of water by the canopy;
d. Forest can provide flood prevention by increasing soil infiltration;
e. Forest can provide climate regulation by cooling the air through shade/evapotranspiration;
f. Forest can provide carbon sequestration/oxygen through photosynthesis;
g. Forest can provide freshwater through directing moisture into the ground (for groundwater)/through evapotranspiration resulting in more precipitation/through cloud
canopy interaction;
h. Cloud forests can increase income through tourism;
Note to examiners: Do not accept only a list/identification of goods or services eg timber/food. Do not accept clean air as a service.
7.1 Natural resources—uses and management question 2
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline how the concept of sustainability can be applied to managing natural capital.
natural capital refers to natural resources that can supply a natural income of goods or services;
natural income is the yield/growth obtained from natural resources/capital; to be sustainable, natural capital must be used at rate slower than its replenishment / within maximum sustainable yield / that fulfils current needs without compromising future availability;
if more than the natural income is extracted, then the use is unsustainable; exploitation of natural capital may also be unsustainable due to processes of extraction/transport/processing / environment should be in same condition as at outset to be sustainable; altering human behaviour/values/choices through policies/legislations/campaigns so that unsustainable exploitation of natural capital is reduced; non-renewable natural capital is either irreplaceable or can only be replaced over geological timescales / non-renewable natural capital can never be used sustainably;
The question addresses the essential nature (concept) of sustainability rather than specific practices. However, do credit candidates for valid and specific examples if they exemplify any of the generic principles above.
7.1 Natural resources—uses and management question 3
[Maximum number: 1]
Figure:Fact file on fynbos
Fynbos plants have small, fine leaves, including proteas, rooibos, heather and cape reeds. They thrive in nutrient-poor soils and seasonally hot and dry conditions. Fynbos covers over 80% of the Cape Floristic Region, including mountains, lowland valleys and coastal plains. It is threatened by agriculture, plantation forestry, urbanization, climate change and invasive species such as pine, eucalyptus, acacia and hakea. Invasive species can increase fire risk, use more water than indigenous species, alter soil nutrient content, and can be controlled by physical removal, herbicides, biological control or controlled fires.
State one service provided by the natural capital within the Cape Floristic Region.
absorbs carbon dioxide / carbon sink / production of oxygen / climate regulation / water storage / filters water / removes/filters out air pollutants / waste assimilation / flood defenses / protection from soil erosion / provides pollinators/pollination /provide areas for recreation (aesthetic value)/spiritual/cultural activity (eg plants for medicinal use) / provides a habitat (food/water);
Note: Do not accept tangible goods/products that generate profit e.g. '(sold as) tea / timber / tourism'.
If tea is identified, the response must indicate it is used as a food and not a commercial good e.g. do not accept only '(Roobios) tea'.
Marking guidance:
Do not accept only 'air purification / filters pollutants'.
Accept other reasonable responses.
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