Vegetated river banks constitute a “riparian buffer”, i.e.: a structure able to intercept flows coming from the catchment directed towards the stream. Sediment deposition and nutrient uptake by the vegetation reduce the delivery of soluble and particulate pollutants protecting freshwater quality. At the same time, riparian vegetation prevents river bank erosion, offers refuge for wildlife, moderates local climate variability, and creates organic soils capable of retaining water by slowing down runoff. The multitude of ecosystem services that are provided by riparian buffers is linked to the composition, continuity and width of the vegetated belt. In the Naivasha Basin, a Stream Corridor Assessment methodology comprising 12 descriptive criteria was applied to evaluate stream corridor health and to identify the need for targeted interventions, such as tree planting and/or fencing to prevent access by cattle. Within the Upper Gilgil River catchment, some 18 sites were described and evaluated in detail highlighting causes of impact and opportunities for ecohydrological restoration. Beside stream banks, natural wetlands and small scale man-made dams provide further opportunities for the expansion of the riparian ecotone.Typical features are illustrated in the poster and will be discussed during the conference. Tree planting offered a number of lessons learned, in particular those related to the involvement of local farmers in sharing the management of young trees and the benefits of ecosystem services provided by riparian vegetated strips. Future advancement in riparian research is needed to better understand the potential functionality as well as ecosystem service value of different species of riparian trees and shrubs.
The assessment of vegetated river banks for stream restoration in the Naivasha Basin
PACINI, NICOLA;
2016-01-01
Abstract
Vegetated river banks constitute a “riparian buffer”, i.e.: a structure able to intercept flows coming from the catchment directed towards the stream. Sediment deposition and nutrient uptake by the vegetation reduce the delivery of soluble and particulate pollutants protecting freshwater quality. At the same time, riparian vegetation prevents river bank erosion, offers refuge for wildlife, moderates local climate variability, and creates organic soils capable of retaining water by slowing down runoff. The multitude of ecosystem services that are provided by riparian buffers is linked to the composition, continuity and width of the vegetated belt. In the Naivasha Basin, a Stream Corridor Assessment methodology comprising 12 descriptive criteria was applied to evaluate stream corridor health and to identify the need for targeted interventions, such as tree planting and/or fencing to prevent access by cattle. Within the Upper Gilgil River catchment, some 18 sites were described and evaluated in detail highlighting causes of impact and opportunities for ecohydrological restoration. Beside stream banks, natural wetlands and small scale man-made dams provide further opportunities for the expansion of the riparian ecotone.Typical features are illustrated in the poster and will be discussed during the conference. Tree planting offered a number of lessons learned, in particular those related to the involvement of local farmers in sharing the management of young trees and the benefits of ecosystem services provided by riparian vegetated strips. Future advancement in riparian research is needed to better understand the potential functionality as well as ecosystem service value of different species of riparian trees and shrubs.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
