Restoration and management of riparian ecosystems: a catchment perspective

1. We propose that strategies for the management of riparian ecosystems sho uld incorporate concepts of landscape ecology and contemporary principles o f restoration and conservation. A detailed understanding of the temporal an d spatial dynamics of the catchment landscape (e.g. changes in the connecti vity and functions of channel, riparian and terrestrial components) is crit ical. 2. This perspective is based upon previous definitions of riparian ecosyste ms, consideration of functional attributes at different spatial scales and retrospective analyses of anthropogenic influences on river catchments. 3. Restoration strategies must derive from a concise definition of the proc esses to be restored and conserved, recognition of social values and commit ments, quantification of ecological circumstances and the quality of backgr ound information and determination of alternatives. 4. The basic components of an effective restoration project include: clear objectives (ecological and physical), baseline data and historical informat ion (e.g. the hydrogeomorphic setting and the disturbance regime), a projec t design that recognizes functional attributes of biotic refugia, a compari son of plans and outcomes with reference ecosystems; a commitment to long-t erm planning, implementation and monitoring and, finally, a willingness to learn from both successes and failures. 5. Particularly important is a thorough understanding of past natural distu rbances and human-induced changes on riparian functions and attributes, obt ained by a historical reconstruction of the catchment.