Which term describes a strip of land with vegetation that provides protection to natural forests including mangroves?

• A. Forest Land
• B. Green Land
• C. Forest Zone
• D. Buffer Zone

Answer: (D)

The concept tested is the use of a protective land area around sensitive ecosystems. A strip of land with vegetation that provides protection to natural forests, including mangroves, is called a buffer zone. This term specifically conveys the idea of a dedicated zone kept with vegetation to shield the forest from disturbances such as encroachment, sediment and nutrient runoff, and other impacts, helping to maintain the integrity and resilience of the mangroves and surrounding forests. The other terms describe general forest land or broad areas without signaling this protective, buffer function, so they don’t capture the intended role of shielding and preserving the forest ecosystem.