Which of the following practices helps safeguard ecologically important areas from detrimental development?

Conserve and restore habitat is the correct answer because LEED Sustainable Sites encourages project teams to protect existing natural features and restore disturbed site areas with native or adaptive vegetation. This helps preserve biodiversity, support ecosystem services, protect sensitive ecological areas, and reduce harm from development. Mixed-use development can support smart growth and transportation efficiency, but it does not directly safeguard ecologically important areas. Constructing near prime farmland is not a good LEED strategy because prime farmland is considered sensitive land that should generally be protected from development. Increasing the parking footprint expands hardscape, increases runoff, and can damage habitat. Habitat conservation and restoration support LEED goals related to biodiversity, open space, natural systems, and responsible site development.