Passage

Maintaining an ecosystem just to conserve biodiversity will affect its commercial potential as well as the livelihoods dependent on the ecosystem. There is also a conflict between using an ecosystem only for livelihoods, for commercial exploitation, or strictly for conservation. Deforestation caused due to commercial exploitation will lead to indirect harm like floods, siltation problems and microclimatic instability, apart from adversely affecting livelihoods dependent on forests. These conflicts are particularly acute in developing countries where the dependence of people on the ecosystem is significant, and commercial exploitation has the potential to boost national income.

Question

CSATEasyPrelims 2025Comprehension

Which one of the following statements best reflects the critical message conveyed by the author of the passage?

Explanation

Option A is incorrect: The passage does not dismiss conservation. It highlights a conflict between livelihood needs, commercial exploitation, and conservation priorities. The author emphasizes balancing these factors, not neglecting any.

Option B is incorrect: The passage never refers to rights or legal issues. It discusses the environmental and livelihood impacts of deforestation but does not frame the issue as a rights violation.

Option C is correct: The passage explains that dependence on ecosystems for livelihoods and their degradation through commercial exploitation reinforce each other’s negative effects. Deforestation results in floods, siltation, and microclimatic instability, which harm livelihoods. Hence, the coexistence of livelihood dependence and ecological degradation creates conflict and imbalance — exactly what this option conveys.

Option D is incorrect: The author does not call for a complete halt to commercial exploitation. Instead, the passage acknowledges that such activities can contribute to national income, stressing the need for a balanced approach that considers conservation, livelihood, and economic interests.