Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?

Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?

1. Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.

2. Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.

3. By withstanding tidal surges and offering biomass resources, mangroves function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities.

Select the answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: (d) 3 only

Only statement 3 correctly explains the rationale. Mangroves act as natural bio-shields by dissipating wave/tidal energy and storm surges, while also supplying biomass and other resources that support rural coastal livelihoods—key aspects of climate resilience. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect: mangroves thrive in saline intertidal zones and do not store/filter seawater to create suitable conditions for paddy cultivation or freshwater aquaculture (such conversion typically damages the ecosystem).

Proper nouns / key terms and their appearances

• Mangrove ecosystems / mangroves: Core term for India’s coastal salt-tolerant forests (Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Godavari-Krishna, etc.).

• Climate resilience: Frequent framing in policy and media for nature-based coastal adaptation.

• Natural bio-shields (or bioshields): Common descriptor for mangroves’ protective role against cyclones, tidal surges, and tsunamis.

• Tidal surges / tidal energy: References to wave attenuation and storm protection.

• Biomass resources / livelihood bases: Links to fishery nurseries, honey, wood, and community incomes.

• Other phrasing (salt-sensitive roots, freshwater storage/paddy/aquaculture conversion) appears mainly as incorrect distractors in exam contexts; mangroves are salt-tolerant, not converters of saline land into freshwater systems.

Sources

• PIB / government: References to mangrove restoration under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), coastal protection, and blue-carbon roles appear in PIB releases and MoEFCC/Forest Survey of India materials on mangrove cover and climate adaptation.

• The Hindu: Regular coverage of mangroves as natural buffers/bio-shields against cyclones and surges (e.g., pieces on Bhitarkanika, Odisha protection, ecosystem-based adaptation vs. seawalls, restoration benefits for livelihoods and climate risks; articles from 2025–2026).

• Indian Express: Reports on high-court observations of mangroves as natural buffers against flooding/erosion (e.g., Mumbai/Thane contexts) and ecological significance for coastal resilience.

• Other English newspapers / outlets: Mentions in Mint (mangroves as natural climate infrastructure protecting ports/roads), ThePrint (Tamil Nadu bio-shield plantation drives), and specialised environment reporting (Mongabay, etc.) on community bioshields, restoration, and livelihood links.