Establishment of Buffer Zones Within Forest Lands, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order No. 13, Series of 1992 (Philippines)

Buffer zones are defined as strips of land with vegetation that provide an added layer of protection to the forests where restricted use is allowed for local production of various benefits to rural communities. In the establishment thereof, priority is given to forest lands and critical mangrove areas located along boundaries of population centers or densely populated communities and in forest lands made accessible by the presence of legitimate timber license agreement holders or permittees. The Circular requires that buffer zones shall be identified and delineated, as well as developed and maintained.