UPSC Prelims 2026 · Question 33 of 96

UPSC Prelims 2026 question on Mangrove 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:

  1. 1 only
  2. 1 and 2
  3. 2 and 3
  4. 3 only
Show answer

Answer: D. 3 only

Verdict

Only statement 3 explains the rationale, so the answer is Option (d).

Statement by statement

Statement 1 is not correct: Mangroves themselves are not ideal sites for normal paddy cultivation because mangrove ecosystems are highly saline, waterlogged, tidal, low in oxygen, and ecologically fragile.

Statement 2 is not correct: Mangroves have remarkable adaptations that help them deal with salty seawater, but the process is not exactly like a household 'filter'. Some mangroves prevent most of the salt from entering the plant at the root surface itself. The roots act like a selective barrier, allowing water to enter while blocking a large proportion of dissolved salts, but mangroves do not completely desalinate seawater. They only regulate salt intake sufficiently for survival.

Statement 3 is correct: Mangroves offer valuable biomass resources such as fuelwood, timber, honey, tannins and fisheries, and function both as natural bio-shields and livelihood bases for rural communities. They protect coastal areas from cyclones, storm surges, coastal erosion and saline intrusion, while also supporting the livelihoods of fishermen, local artisans and forest-dependent populations through fisheries, aquaculture and collection of forest products.

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