Protecting the protected. Buffer zone planning in Poland and Australia Author Kozlowski J., Peterson A. Journal/Series IUCN Protected Areas Programme: Parks | Vol. 6(3); 35 - 49; 15 p. Date 1996 Source IUCN (ID: ANA-061703) Publisher | Place of publication IUCN | Gland, Switzerland ISBN ISSN 0960-233X Language English Field of application International Country/Territory Poland, Australia Subject Land & soil, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Land-use planning Protected area Comparative analysis Abstract Contents: It has long been recognised that the ecosystems and landscape values of protected areas can be damaged by events outside the protected area boundary. The use of buffer zones has often been suggested as a means of combating external threats, but there is little agreement as to how buffer zones should be planned and implemented. This paper puts forward a model ' Buffer Zone Planning ' method, outlining the principles involved, describing the practical steps necessary to undertake such a method and giving examples from case studies in Poland and Australia. The legal and institutional requirements necessary for the success of buffer zone planning are discussed.The authors suggest that a rigorous yet flexible approach to buffer zone planning will produce the greatest benefits for protected areas