In recent years, the depletion of natural resources has become a major focus of governments and organizations such as the United Nations (UN). This is evident in the UN's Agenda 21 Section Two, which outlines the necessary steps for countries to take to sustain their natural resources.[11] The depletion of natural resources is considered a sustainable development issue.[12] The term sustainable development has many interpretations, most notably the Brundtland Commission's 'to ensure that it meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs';[13] however, in broad terms it is balancing the needs of the planet's people and species now and in the future.[11] In regards to natural resources, depletion is of concern for sustainable development as it has the ability to degrade current environments[14] and the potential to impact the needs of future generations.[12]

"The conservation of natural resources is the fundamental problem. Unless we solve that problem, it will avail us little to solve all others."

Theodore Roosevelt[15]
Depletion of natural resources is associated with social inequity. Considering most biodiversity are located in developing countries,[16] depletion of this resource could result in losses of ecosystem services for these countries.[17] Some view this depletion as a major source of social unrest and conflicts in developing nations.[18]