Freshwater Biodiversity Toolbox
Protected Areas – Buffer Strips
Riparian buffer strips are important conservation methods for protecting water systems. Riparian buffer strips are heavily vegetated areas which act as protection, shade and a filter between streams and the adjacent lands. The buffer strips have many functions, including provision of habitat, water purification, channel stability, and filtration. Protection of riparian buffer zones aids in the conservation of freshwater habitats because these zones act to minimize the amount of pollution in waterways and can support high levels of biodiversity. This strategy can be used as an alternative management plan or a temporary strategy in place of full Freshwater Protected Area designation.
Rating:
All syntheses for this intervention scored low in CEESAT demonstrating limitations in the rigour and the transparency in which these reviews were conducted (i.e., no a-priori protocol, critical appraisal, or search strategy provided).
All syntheses for this intervention scored well in RASCAT apart from two elements. All syntheses included were not recently published and did not provide consideration of implications, practical advice, or recommendations for decision-makers.
Photo credit: National Agroforestry Center
