Global Overview of Ecosystem Services Provided by Riparian Vegetation

Abstract

Fluvial riparian vegetation (RV) links fluvial and terrestrial ecosystems. It is under significant pressure from anthropogenic activities, and, therefore, the management and restoration of RV are increasingly important worldwide. RV has been investigated from different perspectives, so knowledge on its structure and function is widely distributed. An important step forward is to convert existing knowledge into an overview easily accessible—for example, for use in decision-making and management. We aim to provide an overview of ecosystem services provided by RV by adopting a structured approach to identify the ecosystem services, describe their characteristics, and rank the importance of each service. We evaluate each service within four main riparian vegetation types adopting a global perspective to derive a broad concept. Subsequently, we introduce a guided framework for use in RV management based on our structured approach. We also identify knowledge gaps and evaluate the opportunities an ecosystem service approach offers to RV management.

The Structure of Riparian Vegetation in Agricultural Landscapes Influences Spider Communities and Aquatic-Terrestrial Linkages

“…Accordingly, the high abundances of Linyphiidae at buffered sites is potentially indicative of enhanced trophic connectivity, independent of aquatic PUFA transfer. Overall, inclusion of areas of woody vegetation within a broader riparian habitat matrix [80][81][82] that also encompasses, for example patches of grassland or exposed rocks, is likely to be an effective land-use mitigation strategy with co-benefits for biodiversity and trophic connectivity in modified landscapes.…”

What Factors Shape Spatial Distribution of Biomass in Riparian Forests? Insights from a LiDAR Survey over a Large Area

“…They host specific plant communities related to water proximity and availability, soil anoxia or flood disturbance. They are home to an exceptional biodiversity [1], and riparian vegetation produces numerous ecosystem services concerning water quality, flow regulation or erosion mitigation [2]. However, they are subject to multiple pressures and have been degraded in many regions of the world [3].…”

Assessing Riparian Areas of Greece—An Overview

“…Riparian areas offer many ecosystem services to different stakeholders, so in heavily populated areas their sustainable management requires detailed, long-term and scientific information on their ecological integrity and functionality. To maximize the benefits restoring riparian areas, a broader perspective on their ecosystem services needs to be included when management plans are developed [82]. Using new technologies can help develop management plans that are based on science-based information and incorporate many ecosystems services.…”