Database

Avoid disrupting the surface of the water body’s buffer strip

Habitat	Function	Type of work
Water bodies	Living environment, Nutrient cycle	Establishment of riparian buffer strips

To preserve biodiversity and ensure ecological connectivity, buffer strips are established and maintained along natural water bodies. The recommended width of a water body buffer strip is an average of 5 meters, with an optimal range of 1-10 meters.

Description of the action

Avoid damaging soil or established turf in buffer strips along water bodies. Buffer strips along water bodies can also be formed with well-developed grassland turf.

Why?

In water body buffer strips, it is important not to disturb the established turf to prevent sediments and suspended particles from entering the water. Low water levels and the mud at the edges of water bodies provide a safe habitat for aquatic insects and are also beneficial for terrestrial species that use muddy edges or banks for reproduction.