Integrative conservation of riparian zones. (July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: González, Eduardo; Felipe-Lucia, María R.; Bourgeois, Bérenger; Boz, Bruno; Nilsson, Christer; Palmer, Grant; Sher, Anna A.
• Is Part Of: Biological conservation. Volume 211:Part B(2017)
• Page Start: 20
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2017-07
• Subjects: Conservation strategies -- Floodplain -- Frodo effect -- Riverine -- Small ecosystem features; Conservation of natural resources -- Periodicals; Nature conservation -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 333.9516
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biocon.2016.10.035
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3207

Abstract

Abstract: Riparian zones are the interface between aquatic and terrestrial systems along inland watercourses. They have a disproportionate ecological role in the landscape considering their narrow extent, which makes them a good example of small natural features (sensu Hunter, 2017-inthisissue). Characteristically, riparian zones increase species richness in the landscape and provide key services to society, such as soil fertility, water purification, and recreation. Despite the recognized importance of riparian zones for ecological, economic and social reasons, and the vast amount of scientific literature exploring measures for their conservation, current management is still failing at enabling a proper ecological functioning of these areas. The best practices for conservation of riparian zones have mostly focused on manipulating biotic and physical components (e.g. renaturalizing flow regimes, improving channel mobility, and controlling invasions of exotic ecosystem engineer species). However, these strategies face important technical, socio-economic, and legal constraints that require a more integrative approach for effective conservation. In this paper we summarize the main problems affecting riparian zones and their current management challenges. Following Hunter et al. (2017-inthisissue), we review novel approaches to conservation of riparian zones, complementary to manipulating processes that reflect contemporary management and policy. These include (1) investing in environmental education for both local people and technical staff, (2) guaranteeing qualitative and long term inventories and monitoring, (3) establishing legislation and solutions to protect riparian zones, (4) framing economic activities in riparian zones under sustainable management, and (5) planning restoration of riparian zones at multiple and hierarchical spatio-temporal scales. Highlights: Current management is failing at effectively conserving riparian zones. Conservation requires integration of technical, socio-economic and legal approaches. Environmental education, long term monitoring and specific legislation are needed. Economic activities in riparian zones should convey sustainable management. Restoration needs clear, realistic, multiple-scaled and evaluable goals.