This is the first book on the environment produced for the tertiary education system in this country. While it is directed in the first instance to students in the Affiliated University College System it could also be useful to students in universities and other tertiary educational institutions. The written material in this book are by a number of experts, but has been edited further to make it comprehensible to a wider audience. Illustrations have been used as widely as possible and were chosen to make the text material clear to the students. The course materials in this book are designed to introduce the student to basic concepts and ideas that are essential to understand the natural environment and the steps that have to be taken to maintain this environment.