Riparian conservation and restoration for ecological sustainability

Abstract

Ecosystem is under the threat of rapid degeneration across the globe. Earth is bestowed with diverse ecosystem services. Among them, some are very unique in nature and also much fragile, and leads to various types of degradation on the earth. Riparian ecosystem is one of the unique examples that sustain diverse life form and various modes of ecological services. Research reports reveal diverse ecosystem services of the riparian ecosystem that includes flood control, habitat for biodiversity, mitigation and adaptation towards climate change, as well as social and its cultural values. Considering these diversified services in the riparian ecosystem has gained sufficient importance on the earth to sustain the life. If the degradation of the earth continues, it will be harmful to the future humankind. Thus, there is need of the riparian system that will have major impacts on the hydrology and biodiversity. This chapter focuses on the issues related to worldwide initiatives towards protection and conservation of these valuable assets of nature. It is covering proper strategies and policies implementation in relation to awareness, sustainable use, as well as protection from anthropogenic encroachment that needs to be done with immediate effect. The continuous monitoring and inventorization of riparian system across the world should be centralized for future research on riparian system. The riparian systems should be on top priority for conservation and restoration of ecological sustainability. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.