What does a buffer zone refer to in environmental protection?

A buffer zone in environmental protection refers to a designated area surrounding a protected reserve. This area serves several important purposes in conservation efforts. Firstly, buffer zones help mitigate negative impacts from human activities that might occur adjacent to the protected area, ensuring that the core ecosystem remains intact and is less subject to disturbance.

These zones can also act as a transition area where different land uses can occur, allowing for sustainable practices that can benefit local communities while still safeguarding biodiversity in the protected reserve. By creating a space that limits direct human encroachment into sensitive habitats, buffer zones play a critical role in maintaining ecological integrity and supporting conservation goals.

In contrast, areas where all species are protected or regions specifically for urban development do not capture the essence of a buffer zone's function, as they either lack the essential purpose of providing a protective boundary or contradict the conservation objective of minimizing human impact. Similarly, a region promoting tourist activities does not align with the primary goal of a buffer zone, which primarily focuses on protecting the integrity of the ecosystem surrounding the reserve.