Buffers Best Evidence Conference Proceedings

The conference was held in May 2000 in London to examine the issues related to natural heritage buffers.

The conference brought together a diverse group of professionals, including municipal planners, conservation authority staff, environmental consultants, planning consultants, naturalist organizations, students, and volunteer members of municipal advisory committees, to explore the need for, characteristics of, and implementation of buffers in protected natural areas. The conference aimed to discuss the best evidence for managing protected natural areas, identify where buffers are required, determine the necessary characteristics of buffers, manage buffer zones, and establish buffer guidelines for municipal planning. Throughout the event, various definitions of buffers were proposed, and participants called for a common understanding and agreement on a working definition for buffers and setbacks. The conference highlighted the need for local solutions based on site-specific needs and minimum standards for assessment, evaluation, interpretation, and application in the management and protection of the natural heritage system.