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<br />Purpose <br /> <br />This document reports the activities and research findings of the BorderLink 2000 <br />research program. The report endeavors to increase public awareness and understanding <br />of the Alamar River, its natural resources, and the importance of stream restoration for <br />Tijuana's development, the quality of life of its residents, conservation of its water <br />resources, and preservation of natural habitat. This study will serve as the foundation for <br />discussions with all stakeholders interested in developing a comprehensive management <br />plan for the Alamar River and the Tijuana River watershed. <br /> <br />Key Findings and Opportunities for the Alamar River Corridor <br /> <br />Riparian habitats-the jungle-like vegetation that surrounds rivers, streams, and <br />creeks-are a crucial part of life-sustaining ecosystems. The benefits of riparian areas for <br />people, plants, and animals include providing basic necessities such as water and food. In <br />addition, riparian wetlands are instrumental in flood control and groundwater recharge, <br />and also aid in improving water quality. Although economic activity is usually <br />considered to be centered in urban areas, such as the Zona Rio in Tijuana, the trees, <br />plants, and wildlife of the Alamar River Corridor impact the daily lives of Tijuana's <br />residents and of downstream residents in the United States. With proper watershed <br />management, the Alamar River can play an important role in the development of the <br />regIOn. <br /> <br />River restoration, or the creation of a river park in the Alamar River Corridor, along <br />with appropriate urban development, would dramatically increase the amount of riparian <br />habitat and green space in the City of Tijuana. Restoring the river to its natural state will <br />provide the following benefits to Tijuana's residents and visitors (adopted from Dallman <br />and Piechota 2000: 21): <br /> <br />Local, cost-effective water supply. Protecting and restoring riparian habitat fosters <br />groundwater recharge. By enhancing and protecting the underground water supply, <br />Tijuana conserves and enhances an economical, safe, and secure source to supplement the <br />Colorado River water brought in by an aqueduct that is vulnerable to natural disasters and <br />expensive due to high capital costs and energy requirements. <br /> <br />Habitat. In Southern and Baja California, a significant portion of riparian and wetland <br />habitat has been destroyed, mainly due to urban development and water quality <br />degradation. Preservation of local wetlands is essential not only to protect numerous <br />native local species, but also to protect thousands of migratory avian species that use <br />these wetlands for breeding, foraging, and nesting grounds. <br /> <br />Need for open space and recreation. Tijuana is one of the poorest cities in the world <br />with regard to availability of parks. There are only 1.87 square meters of green spaces per <br />resident for Tijuana's urban population (XVI Ayuntamiento de Tijuana 1999). In <br />contrast, international standards recommend between 10 and 12 m2 of green spaces per <br />person (Ojeda 1991). <br /> <br />2 <br />