Which of the following best explain(s) the rationale for protecting mangrove ecosystems in the context of climate resilience?
- Mangroves reduce tidal energy and store freshwater, making them ideal sites for paddy cultivation in saline estuarine belts.
- Their salt-sensitive roots filter seawater, making mangroves key to converting coastal land into freshwater aquaculture zones.
- 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:
Correct answer: D
Explanation
Mangroves are halophytes adapted to saline tidal mudflats; their pneumatophores and stilt roots dissipate wave and tidal energy and trap sediment, but they neither store fresh water nor make sites suitable for paddy, so statement 1 is wrong. Their roots tolerate, not 'filter out', salt to create freshwater aquaculture zones — statement 2 is a misconception. Statement 3 correctly captures the dual climate-resilience rationale: mangroves serve as natural bio-shields against cyclones and tidal surges (as proven during the 1999 Odisha super-cyclone and 2004 tsunami) and provide fuelwood, honey, fisheries and ecotourism livelihoods. Hence only 3 is correct.