Abstract

MENDOZA CARINO, Mayra et al. Ecological status of rivers and riparian vegetation within the new General Mexican Water's Law context. Rev. Int. Contam. Ambient [online]. 2014, vol.30, n.4, pp.429-436. ISSN 0188-4999.

Rives are vital units in the functioning of the watersheds that, due to the transportation and circulation of water, allow the existence of life. They are of great ecological and environmental value because of their influence on other ecosystems as well as the benefits they give to humankind, not only in the consumption for irrigation but also in the use in the agricultural and industrial areas. However, almost all the rivers in Mexico show a certain type of deterioration. About 70 % of the aquatic systems shows contamination which diminishes the health of these ecosystems. The objective of this work is to propose that the riparian vegetation should be included in the making of the new general law of water because its influence on the maintenance and rehabilitation of the ecological state of rivers is fundamental. It has been suggested a new law that contains a section of environmental protection which includes the riparian vegetation as a key element to protect, preserve, and restore rivers. Likewise, the boundaries of this vegetation should be according to the natural conditions of flooding in the bed of the river, with a once-in-every eight years- frequency, according to the variability of flow. In addition, its handling must consider the reforestation and maintenance of native vegetation species in each region.

Keywords : ecological health; riparian vegetation; biological corridor.