Riparian Forests in the Vale do Ribeira
Riparian forests are buffer zones of forest that are found closest to the shores of rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. In Brazil they are protected by the Forest Laws due their importance in the proper drainage of rainfall as well as the maintenance of the tributaries and shorelines of waterways. They prevent sedimentation and ensure the proper interaction between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by maintaining temperatures within a certain range and providing food for animals and fish.
