Which of the following best describes the role of buffer zones in forest management?

The role of buffer zones in forest management is primarily to provide habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial species. Buffer zones are areas that are intentionally left unmanaged or are managed with careful considerations to ensure they maintain their ecological functions. These zones typically surround sensitive habitats such as streams, rivers, lakes, or wetlands, helping to protect these areas from the impacts of adjacent land use activities, such as logging or agricultural practices.

By preserving these areas, buffer zones play a crucial role in maintaining water quality, reducing erosion, and providing critical habitats for various species. They serve as transition areas that can assist wildlife in navigating between different habitats and contribute to ecological connectivity, which is vital for biodiversity conservation. This focus on protection and habitat provision is in line with sustainable forest management practices, which emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems.

In contrast, options that suggest creating open spaces for public use or facilitating industrial logging do not align with the primary ecological function of buffer zones. Additionally, decreasing biodiversity runs counter to the goals of forest management, which aims to enhance and preserve biodiversity within these environments.