Suchergebnisse

Mestrado em Arquitectura Paisagista - Instituto Superior de Agronomia ; Riparian corridors are unique ecosystems, established normally along the river margins forms dense patches of vegetation adapted to water and soil dynamics. It forms a "continuum" of higher biodiversity then the surroundings, commonly observed in Portugal mainland, with its dry Mediterranean climate. The aim of this study is the ecological restoration of Cobrão's riparian corridor on Lezírias Company, a state-owned agricultural and forestry farmstead, located near Tagus estuary, not far from Lisbon. Lezírias Company property has most of its area covered by cork oak woodlands, integrated on a managed agro-silvo pastoral system. It is under this context that Cobrão's stream riparian corridor is subjected. This stream's longitudinal profile has suffered many anthropological changes throughout the years, mostly for agricultural purposes, affecting the riparian corridor's ecological status. This study will focus, firstly on the regional and local landscape, and climate characterization, as well as the typical Mediterranean riparian ecosystems and finally an overall national and European legislative approach relative to water, land management and conservation. Afterwards, the proposal will aim the ecological renaturalisation and will recommend, on Cobrão's riparian corridor, new accesses and cycling and pedestrian paths. Lastly, this proposal will contemplate an integrated long term management plan

The fluvial space shaped by the river with its own dynamics and where its processes take form, has been occupied for long time. So in most ofthe rivers an environmental worsening and the increase of the risk arises from the conflict between the natural dynamics and the human use of the system. The solution comes from the implementation of a Fluvial Territory, a space where theriver's dynamics could act, and change with it, so it can preserve or recover the hydromorphological dynamics, obtain a continuous riparian corridor that guarantees the ecological, bioclimatic and landscape function of the river system, fulfil the demands of the "ecological (Directive 2000/60/CE) good status", reduce in a natural way the floods, resolve land use planning problems of flooding areas, and ameliorate and consolidate the fluvial landscape. The presentation will show some experiences of proposals in Cinca, Ebre, Gallego, Arga and Aragon rivers. That implementation has shown enormous difficulties: property problems, many land uses and interest of difficult compatibility, inherited situations, or the hardness of integrating this measure with the flow management and other environmental measures, which has led to the impossibility of the application of the Fluvial Territory in most of the cases. The Fluvial Territory concept is scientifically consolidated as a model of action and it is technically feasible. However, spanish political and administration are very reluctant and stillit is not valued as a way of resolving environmental and risk problems due to the difficulties of its application and management. ; El espacio fluvial que corresponde al río y que ha modelado con supropia dinámica ha sido aprovechado y ocupado por el hombre. Así en la mayorparte de los cursos fluviales existe una problemática que, marcada por eldeterioro ambiental y el incremento de los riesgos, deriva de la incompatibilidadentre la dinámica natural y la antropización del sistema. La solución viene dadapor aplicar un territorio fluvial, un espacio que permita conservar o recuperar ladinámica hidrogeomorfológica, obtener un corredor ribereño continuo quegarantice la función ecológica, bioclimática y paisajística del sistema fluvial,cumplir con el buen estado ecológico (Directiva 2000/60/CE), laminar de formanatural las avenidas, resolver problemas de ordenación de áreas inundables,mejorar y consolidar el paisaje fluvial. Se presentan distintas propuestas deaplicación del Territorio Fluvial en la cuenca del Ebro. Su aplicación no ha sidoposible salvo en casos muy concretos, debido a importantes dificultades:conflictos de propiedad, multiplicidad de usos e intereses de complicadacompatibilización, situaciones heredadas, o la dificultad para integrar estamedida con la gestión de caudales y otras medidas ambientales. El TerritorioFluvial está científicamente consolidado como modelo de actuacióntécnicamente viable. Sin embargo, en España cuenta con reticencias en ámbitospolíticos y administrativos y todavía no se valora como medida de resolución deproblemas ambientales y de riesgos por sus dificultades de aplicación y gestión.

Agricultural nonpoint water pollution is an environmental problem of major importance in the Corn Belt. Greenbelts — corridors of riparian wetland forest and meandering channels along streams and rivers — present a promising alternative to greatly lessen the impacts of farm runoff on streams, rivers and reservoirs. Appropriate government action, however, has not been forthcoming. The purpose of this dissertation is to evaluate the effectiveness and economic efficiency of greenbelts in the central C o m Belt. The underproduction of riparian wetland forests, and the improved river quality they can provide, is conceptualized as a manifestation of market failure. The economic value of these ecosystems is estimated using three links: 1) the effect of greenbelts on sediment concentrations in rivers; 2) the effect of sediments and greenbelts on "river quality"; and 3) the economic value of improved river quality. Estimates of the reduction in sediment concentration attributable to greenbelts, derived from multiple regression analysis from a sample of 19 river basins in Iowa and Illinois, are 41.68 (IS.45) mg/1 for each percentage of the area of the highest order floodplain that is forested, and 51.83 (6.07) mg/1 for each percentage of the length of the highest order stream that is meandering. Contingent valuation estimates of mean annual willingness to pay for improved river quality, from a stratefied sample of 200 lowans and Illinoisans, are $30.50, $37.10, and $41.51 for recreation and $37.61, $47.16, and $43.22 for intrinsic values for river quality improvements from poor-fair, fairgood and good-excellent, respectively. Combining these results provides estimates for the value of greenbelts per acre in an inner and outer corridor. For an inner corridor of one to two "stream widths" the range is $89 - $722/year with a "best estimate" of $290. For an outer corridor, consisting of the remainder of the 100-year floodplain, the range is $44 - $299, with a "best estimate" of $128. These figures provide useful guidelines for a program of conpensating farmers for conversion of their floodplain croplands to riparian forest, thus improving river quality and correcting this market failure.

2000 Spring. ; Includes bibliographical references. ; Knowledge is based on a set of assumptions about reality and the world that is dictated by environment, tradition and religion (Sterling, 1990). Indigenous people and their culturally specific knowledge associated with local ecosystems are being credited with bio-diversity protection around the world. As a result, environmental managers are acknowledging the long-range environmental benefits of indigenous approaches for managing natural resources. This recognition has catalyzed the inclusion of indigenous people in the development of sustainable resource management solutions, affording them a voice in nature conservation and resource management agendas in areas around the world. However, in the United States, Native Americans' cultural and ecological knowledge of local ecosystems has been overlooked in making resource management decisions. Although current research has explored the value and protection of indigenous knowledge, little effort has been focused on developing ways to integrate indigenous ecological knowledge with Euro-American scientific knowledge to obtain sustainable solutions to resource dilemmas. This thesis concentrated on developing a conceptual model of Shoshone and Arapaho indigenous ecological knowledge associated with water and the riparian corridor. The research has shown that elements of the Shoshone and Arapaho indigenous knowledge systems that were incorporated in Tribal water law are not reflected in Wyoming water laws. The methodology applied in this thesis was developed into a procedural outline to determine whether indigenous ecological and cultural knowledge has been equitably integrated into Euro-American water management schemes. This procedure may provide a concrete outline for applying these techniques to varying resource management questions within different indigenous cultures. The research shows that indigenous ecological knowledge and management practice associated with river corridor areas are related to the culturally significant perceptions and uses of biological and natural resources of the localized ecosystem.

Abstract
Background
Urbanization process around the world has not only changed the patterns of land use, but also fragmented the habitat, resulting in significantly biodiversity loss. Urban rivers, serve as one of the natural corridors in urban ecosystems, are of importance for urban ecosystem stability. However, few studies have been done to explore the relationship between vegetation and pollinators in urban river segments. In this study, two urban streams in the city of Chongqing were selected as the study area, riparian vegetation, butterflies and bees were investigated along all four seasons of a year to illustrate the spatial and temporal distribution patterns. Simultaneously, the ecological functions of the river corridor were analyzed.

Result
In this study, 109 plant species belonging to 95 genera of 39 families were recorded; the number of sampled species for butterflies and bees were 12 and 13, respectively. The temporal and spatial patterns of species diversity among vegetation, butterfly, and bee are different, but the trends of variation among them are similar between the two streams. Bees were found to be more closely correlated with native flowering plants in riparian zone, rather than with cultivated riparian vegetation.

Conclusions
The native riparian vegetation in urban rivers plays an important role in urban biodiversity conservation by serving as a corridor. This study provides data supporting the protection of the remaining natural patches and restoration of damaged habitats in the city. The survey has accumulated data on native riparian vegetation and pollinators in urban rivers.

Front Cover -- About Island Press -- Subscribe -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Contents -- Foreword -- Preface -- Introduction -- 1. Background: Habitat Loss, Fragmentation, and Climate Change -- Human-Induced Change and Habitat Loss -- Climate Change Overview -- Limitations to Protected Areas -- Reconnecting Our Planet -- Growth of Connectivity Science and Practice -- 2. The Ecological Framework -- Island Biogeography -- Metapopulation Theory: Conceptual History -- Metapopulation Processes -- Dispersal -- The Demography of Extinction -- Genetic Structuring -- A Longer-Term Perspective -- Metacommunity Theory -- Beyond Metacommunities: Landscape and Ecoscape Concepts -- 3. Understand Fragmentation -- Natural versus Human-Induced Fragmentations -- Speed and Pattern of Change -- Consequences of Human-Induced Fragmentation -- Changes in Species Composition of Patches -- Genetic Considerations Affecting Species Extinction -- Role of the Matrix -- Edges and Edge Effects -- 4. Approaches to Achieving Habitat Connectivity -- What Is a Corridor? -- Types of Corridors -- Riparian Areas -- Corridors for Individual Species Conservation -- Corridor Complexities -- Biological Benefits -- Benefits to Humans -- 5. Corridor Design Objectives -- Focal Species Considerations -- Habitat Requirements -- Dispersal Considerations -- Generalist versus Specialist -- Behavioral Factors -- Sensitivity to Human Activity -- Physical Limitations -- Topography and Microclimate for Climate-Wise Connectivity -- Corridor Quality: Continuity, Composition, and Dimension -- Continuous Corridors -- Stepping-Stone Connectivity -- Habitat Quality -- Corridor Dimensions -- Landscape Configuration -- Riparian Corridors -- Hydrologic Habitat Connectivity: Structural, Functional, and Ecological -- Ecological Networks for Conservation.

Alderson Creek (AC) is a small stream, approximately 2.4 km long, located about 100 kilometers from Kelowna, British Columbia. It passes through seven private properties that produce alfalfa-grass hay, raise cattle, horses and poultry. The creek and riparian corridor is substantially degraded, with sinking stream banks, siltation of the watercourse, loss of native riparian vegetation, and loss of fish habitat (Alderson Creek Remediation Plan, 2014). Channelization of the stream, lack of maintenance, as well as other inadequate management practices, have resulted in permanently flooded farmland (10.4 acre), cases of animals drowning in one part of the creek (due to unrestricted access for cattle) and disease problems such as foot rot for animals that are frequently in wet conditions. In 2014, landowners along the creek formed a non-profit society called the "Alderson Creek Restoration Environmental Society" (ACRES) to cooperatively address issues resulting from the state of the creek. In the same year, the proposal for a Group Environmental Farm Plan (GEFP) was submitted to BC Government. The plan proposed a set of solutions including fencing to keep cattle out of the creek, installing off-stream livestock watering and/or controlled livestock access to the stream, installing additional drainage infrastructure and planting natural vegetation to support the stream bank and provide shading and habitat. This document presents an accounting of the costs and benefits of the project. Some of these costs and benefits are experienced by the land owners themselves, while others impact the larger community. Riparian corridors in particular provide extensive environmental services which include water flow regulation, attractive visual aesthetics, and habitat for terrestrial and aquatic flora and fauna. This study relies on the Benefit Transfer methodology to attach values to the expected ecosystem services after the restoration. The analysis was conducted for two possible project scenarios, a three meter and a five meter riparian buffer on either side of the creek. The lifetime of the project was taken to be 20 years and the net benefits (Benefits – Costs) were discounted using a 3% and 5% discount rate. Results showed positive net benefits for both scenarios when cash flows are discounted at 3%. Results suggest that a five meter riparian buffer results in the largest net benefit, calculated as Net Present Value (NPV= $53,422). With a three meter riparian buffer and using a 5% discount rate, net benefits are negative (NPV= - $5,865). The internal rate of return (IRR) for the three and five meter buffer scenarios was 4.64% and 5.41% respectively. ; Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences (Okanagan) ; Land and Food Systems, Faculty of ; Economics, Philosophy and Political Science, Department of (Okanagan) ; Unreviewed ; Faculty ; Graduate

AbstractIn this paper we describe how benefits are transferred from previous non-market valuation research to inform the public policy debate on the allocation of treated wastewater to Riparian Projects in the semi-arid city of Tucson, Arizona, United States. Specifically, we transfer property premiums associated with proximity to riparian habitat to two proposed, and one accidental, urban Riparian Project. The study demonstrates that nearby property owners would likely benefit from wastewater reuse in riparian corridor restoration projects. Furthermore, the variable costs of supplying supplementary treated wastewater to one of the Riparian Projects are covered by incremental property tax revenues. We conclude that there is a window of opportunity to utilize a portion of Tucson's treated wastewater, over half of which is currently discharged at the northern end of the city, for additional in-town riparian restoration projects. Such riparian restoration projects also provide a mechanism for Endangered Species Act compliance.

Extensive 1970–2010 deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has generated a ~ 1.5 Mha fragmented region known as the 'arc of deforestation'. Farmers and cattle ranchers throughout Brazil are legally required to set-aside riparian forest strips within their landholdings, but recent legislative changes have relaxed the minimum mandatory conditions of these riparian forests. In this context, we assessed the functional role of riparian forest remnants as landscape connectors for medium to large-bodied terrestrial mammals in a vast fragmented landscape of southern Amazonia. We selected 38 riparian forest strips and five riparian sites within continuous forest, installed four to five camera-traps along each riparian zone (199 camera-trap stations), and sampled the terrestrial mammal assemblage for 60 days per station during the dry seasons of 2013 and 2014. We compared mammal use of riparian forests within both continuous and highly fragmented forests, and examined the effects of corridor width, corridor habitat structure, and landscape context on mammal species richness, composition, and functional diversity, all of which were higher in continuous forests than in riparian remnants. Functional diversity differences between corridor type was trait-independent and mediated by differences in species richness. Forest habitat degradation was associated with overall lower species richness, whereas forest specialists were more species-rich in increasingly wider corridors. Compositional shifts indicate that deforestation and forest degradation favours matrix-tolerant species with lower levels of forest habitat specificity. We show the potential landscape connectivity role for forest mammals of riparian corridors, whose width and forest degradation status are key predictors of community-wide responses. We provide evidence on the importance of these relict riparian strips to forest vertebrates, strengthening the scientific arguments that help justify the recently embattled legal requirements to maintain effective riparian corridors in Brazil.

Contemporary research concerning wildlands and wildlife of the American West increasingly calls for greater complexity in understanding human-environmental relationships. This dissertation investigates a culturally diverse portion of Greater Yellowstone in order to complicate these dialogues. It explores a riparian corridor along the Wind River, a region permanently settled by Eastern Shoshone, Northern Arapaho and Euro-American residents in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Using the Wind River Basin as a case study, this research observes the landscape through three different lenses: settlement geography, place identity, and vegetation change. By incorporating a variety of methods to understand regional change (including historical research, interviews with residents, and comparative aerial and ground photography), it finds that riparian change relates to a complex cultural-ecological mosaic. Not only is change perceived differently by a variety of communities in the Wind River Basin; change relates to century-old settlement geographies, government policies and cultural preferences, shifting economies and power relationships, and evolving relationships formed by interrelationships of people and environment. This dissertation argues that investigations of environmental change must not oversimplify dynamic relationships between people and place. Indeed, the complexity of these places may relate to why Greater Yellowstone has remained one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states.

Santiago is the 7th largest major city of Latin America with almost 8 million inhabitants and is situated in a fairly closed watershed, surrounded on the eastern side by the high Andean mountain chain with altitudes of 5,000 m. From the Andean mountains, the Mapocho River and a set of large and small streams transport -often torrentially- water and sediment. In thirty years, Santiago has increased its size two fold, replacing previous agricultural lands, native forests and shrubs with urban land uses, and occupying rivers beds and streams. These land use and cover changes have had dramatic environmental consequences. The mentioned urban dynamic has produced a city in constant collision with the natural system. This structural disarticulation produces many environmental problems such as an increase in city's surface and air temperatures, an accelerated disappearance of vegetation, a major interruption in wind, sediment and water flows, and finally, increasing people's exposure to environmental hazards. Since streams, canals and rivers are structural components of Santiago's landscape, they can function as key links between the urban-social and natural system and provide multiple ecosystem services, helping to reduce environmental problems and ensure long-term urban sustainability. Traditionally, the analysis of river and streamsides has been focused on rural and natural landscapes as well as on environmental protection and nature conservation. Nowadays, there is an increasing interest and necessity to understand the environmental status, functions and possibilities of riparian zones in urban environments in order to delineate and plan greenways, which provide social and ecological benefits. Green infrastructure such as urban greenways is a key component of sustainable cities. Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the socio-ecological status of urban riparian zones and even fewer to assess these areas in terms of their potential as multifunctional greenways. New efforts should be conducted to develop analytical application-oriented frameworks in the green infrastructure field. This research elaborates and proposes a transferable conceptual-methodological framework for evaluating the potential for multifunctional riparian greenway development. An analytical application-oriented framework to assess the potential for multifunctional green infrastructure development is proposed by articulating and improving three analyses hitherto used separately: multicriteria, least cost path and opportunities-challenges. The Mapocho River was selected for the application and testing of the proposed conceptual-methodological framework to contribute to multifunctional green infrastructure planning in Santiago as a city representative of the structure and processes of megacities in Latin America. First, the main ecological and social characteristics of the Mapocho's riparian zone are analyzed, making a synthesis of the socio-ecological status. Second, the suitability to provide multiple ecosystem services of the riparian zone is spatially explicitly modelled, first separately, as mono-functional suitability, and then, integrated into a multifunctional suitability evaluation. Third, the opportunities and challenges perceived by government actors are identified and analyzed as well as those derived from an institutional and regulatory analysis. Finally, the assessment phase concludes with a discussion on the main potential for the development of a greenway, resulting from the synthesis and integration of the most relevant findings of the suitability and opportunities analysis The socio-ecological status of the riparian zones is characterized by being highly altered in ecological terms, diverse in social terms, and highly used by the metropolitan transport infrastructure with a concentration of green areas in a few municipalities. This means that the riparian zone provides limited physical support for important social and ecological functions characteristic of these zones in urban environments: habitat, aesthetic, cooling, transport route and flood mitigation. The results reveal a significant east-west gradient in the socio-ecological status of riparian zone, which gradually decreases from east to west. The riparian zone of the Mapocho River in Santiago has good suitability as a wind corridor, providing a cooling effect and to mitigate flood hazards. The main challenges for the development of a multifunctional urban greenway in the Mapocho River corresponds to low levels of inter-jurisdictional and inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation, maintenance costs and the existence of urban highways in the zone. On the contrary, the main opportunities are the existence of important sectors of vacant land, increased political and social importance of urban green areas and the existence of a set of consolidated riparian parks. In synthesis, the assessment developed in the Mapocho River identifies the most important aspects to be considered and the greatest potentialities to capitalize in planning a multifunctional greenway along the Mapocho River. This is key when thinking about a possible master plan for the Mapocho River that returns the river to the city and values it as an axis for urban integration. The development of a multifunctional greenway in Santiago can considerably contribute to the social and ecological connectivity and thereby mitigate the socio-ecological segregation and disconnection characteristic of cities in the region. It may also contribute significantly to reconcile urban growth with ecological health and people's quality of life, maintaining functions and key ecosystem services and mitigating the negative effects of urbanization.