Buffer zones play a critical role in preserving ecosystems by acting as protective barriers between developed areas and sensitive habitats. These zones help reduce the impact of human activities, such as pollution and habitat destruction, on adjacent ecosystems. By maintaining vegetation cover, buffer zones can filter pollutants, enhance water quality, and provide habitat for wildlife. They also support ecological processes, such as sediment control and flood mitigation, which are essential for ecosystem health. Implementing buffer zones is crucial for sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.