Flexi Says: Soil is an extremely important natural resource, one that is not always recognized or appreciated. Soil erosion is a natural process that has been greatly accelerated by human activities. Activities that accelerate erosion include agriculture, grazing, logging, mining, development, and recreation. These activities tend to be more common and less regulated for environmental practices in developing countries and in areas of poverty. People in these areas have fewer options for jobs and less means to advocate for environmental protections. This explains why researchers have found correlations between areas of poverty and increased soil loss.