Riparian or ciliary forests play an important overall role, since they are located in a micro-watershed (creeks) vital area. They receive this name since they have a similar role to our eyelashes (our cilia): protection.
They function as a filter, protecting rivers and river sources against agrotoxics and chemical fertilizers, and debris silting that could originate from agricultural lands around watercourses.
Rivers become silted and polluted without the protection of riparian woods – or if they are degraded, burnt, or sparse. Therefore, this why although lands located by riverbanks are generally very good for farming, we should not compromise the quality and quantity of water in micro-watersheds – it is the source of life for us, for the productivity of our crops and guarantee of survival of future generations.
Riparian woods are also important for the preservation of biodiversity, i.e., plant and animal diversity. These woods provide fish food and fresh river water thus avoiding excessive warming. Fallen branches and trunks create a refuge for the fish. Ciliary or riparian woods are also a shelter for the animals who feed on their fruits besides protecting themselves, and help protect river embankments thus preventing erosion and deforestation.
However, riparian woods can only perform their function if all micro-basin growers understand their importance, jointly committing to preserve and recover them. Besides, riparian woods and other permanent preservation areas allow owners to reduce soil erosion problems and maintain water quality in the rivers and lakes in their properties. Lastly, private property woods in micro-basins produce foodstuffs that are very important for animals and human beings. Ecological balance is only possible with the adequate management of forests and woods and the preservation of the environment.
Discussions around rural property sustainability are present in all meetings and talks among producers. Legal reservation, riparian or ciliary woods, river sources, meadows, waste management, environmental licensing are subjects already incorporated in the everyday life of most rural properties. In view of this new reality, environmental management of micro-watersheds aims at contributing through discussions on the need to deal with a new rational in rural planning. This in turn balances economic, social and environmental problems. Besides, through the conservation of rural natural resources, environmental management improves the environmental, economic and social situation.
Riparian woods are also essential for the environmental balance, since they are a fundamental concern for sustainable rural development. Preservation and restoration of these woods, together with practices of conservation and proper soil management ensure the protection of one of the most precious natural resources – water.