Final answer:
The correct statement as a Resource Manager for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is that sustainable management ensures future resource availability, balancing economic growth with ecological health and innovation.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you've been hired by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources as a Resource Manager, the correct statement for you to make would be: b) Sustainable management ensures future resource availability. This concept emphasizes the importance of using resources in a way that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It acknowledges the significance of economic development while recognizing the necessity of environmental protection and resource conservation for long-term sustainability.
Historically, economic development and resource exploitation have posed challenges to environmental conservation and sustainable management. Despite the immediate economic gains, unsustainable practices have led to major issues, such as deforestation and water scarcity. Acknowledging the interconnectedness of ecosystems and economies is vital for developing balanced policies that promote environmental stewardship alongside economic growth. Sustainable management fosters innovation and finds ways to balance resource extraction with the health of ecosystems.