Pasy brzegowe jako ważny element krajobrazu dolin rzecznych

Riverbanks play a very important role within river valleys. These stripes determine creation of buffer zones which protect river waters against polluting agents. They also form very valuable breeding places for amphibians, reptiles and other animals. Riverbank vegetation shows great diversity, which results in biodiversity of the area. The width of riverbanks is a controversial issue nowadays and their different designs depend on the way they are used. However, they should be included in spatial management plans or river restoration projects not only because of their natural assets, but also regarding their environmental importance. Riverbanks design alongside the riverbed will allow an increase in tourist capacity as well as protection of riverine areas, and will influence their landscape values improvement through increas;p.ing the habitat mosaic.