Part 1 – A Rapid Participatory Biodiversity Assessment - IUCN

Table 5.1: Guidelines for buffer zones
IUCN Rapid Participatory Biodiversity Assessment
Land-use/Habitat Types Buffer zone (meters) Justification
National Protected Areas 200-500* Minimize human-wildlife conflicts;
minimize the spread of potential fires
into natural forest
Village Spirit Forests 10 Preserve cultural significance
Historical sites/monuments 50 Preserve cultural/historical significance;
Tourism potential
Perennial rivers and streams 100 Minimize soil erosion, siltation, and
agricultural run-off, provide microhabitats
for wildlife
Annual streams, ponds 10 Minimize soil erosion, siltation, and
agricultural run-off
Village (homesteads) >200m Avoid damage to plantation from
domestic animals; avoid damage to
houses/homesteads during timber
extraction
*Buffer zones of 100-500 meters are recommended, as listed under the legal terminology section,
Article 3 of the Forestry Law 2007.
• Preserve natural vegetation in the plantation plot, as habitat mosaics
o All efforts should be made to maintain indigenous trees (>50cm gbh) within a specific
plantation plot, as scattered individual trees, as well as small islands of wild tree
cover (see Figure 5.1.below). This will facilitate the sustenance of biodiversity within
the plantation plot, and also contribute towards enhancement of soil nutrients.
Figure 5.1: A schematic diagram of a mosaic plantation plot
(D) Guidelines for maintenance of agro-forestry operations
• Promote integrated pest management methods, and regulate the use of chemical pesticides
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