Abstract: Stream network, riparian sone and river continuum concepts and other related theories and applications are becoming critical components of ecology. In this paper, the development,debate and apphcation of the above concepts are summarized based on the literature from North AInerica and the compeitional and structural characteristics of riparian vegetation and their roles in stream ecosystems and landscapes are discussed in the context of natural resource and ecosystem management.

Key words: Stream, Riparian zone, Corridors, Ecosystem, Landscape, index system, green development, Jiangxi Province, regionalization