Answer :
Final answer:
A buffer zone is an area around a particular feature, such as a body of water or protected land, that serves to separate different land uses or protect natural resources. These zones can be landscaped or natural and vary in size. They are important for filtering pollution, controlling erosion, and maintaining ecosystem health.
Explanation:
A buffer zone is a designated area established around a particular land use or feature to mitigate possible conflicts between different land uses or to protect natural areas. Specifically, in environmental management and land-use planning, a buffer zone is often a natural or landscaped area adjacent to a body of water that helps protect water quality and ecosystem health by utilizing vegetation to filter pollution, control erosion and provide habitat. Examples of buffer zones include riparian buffers along streams and wetlands, and transitional areas around protected regions such as biosphere reserves, where human activity is more controlled and regulated to safeguard the core protected area.
Buffer zones vary in width and composition and can be tailored to the local environment, ranging from formal landscaping to natural vegetation. They can be found in both residential and commercial landscapes and are beneficial for water quality improvement due to their cost-effective and low-maintenance nature. In zoning discussions, buffer zones can also refer to mixed-use areas that address land use pressures by setting aside spaces for regulated human activities within larger conservation areas. Such zones help in preserving biodiversity while accommodating sustainable human development.
