Definition: Buffer Zone

“A buffer zone is an area surrounding [a] property which has complementary legal and/or customary restrictions placed on its use and development to give an added layer of protection to the property. This should include the immediate setting of the property, important views and other areas or attributes that are functionally important as a support to the property and its protection. The area constituting the buffer zone should be determined in each case through appropriate mechanisms.”

p26 Operational Guidelines for Implementation of the World Heritage Convention, UNESCO, 2013