What phrase describes an urban planning strategy aimed at preserving open areas and preventing urban sprawl?

The phrase that best describes an urban planning strategy aimed at preserving open areas and preventing urban sprawl is "green belt." A green belt refers specifically to designated areas of natural land surrounding urban regions, which are protected from development. This helps to maintain open spaces, protect wildlife habitats, and create recreational areas for residents. By restricting construction in these zones, green belts effectively limit urban sprawl, ensuring that cities do not expand unchecked into rural and agricultural lands.

While other concepts might relate to managing land and urban growth, they do not specifically address the preservation of open areas in the same focused way. Smart growth emphasizes sustainable urban development and efficient land use, while land use planning deals generally with how land is developed and utilized. Community zoning typically refers to regulations set by local governments that dictate how land can be used. However, it does not have the specific preservation goal associated with a green belt.