Law No. 9587 on biodiversity protection.

This Law aims at preserving and protecting biological diversity by regulating the sustainable use of its elements through the integration of the main elements of biodiversity in the strategies, plans, programmes and all levels of decision-making. The Law is composed of 15 Chapters: (I) General provisions; (II) Institutions for biodiversity preservation and protection; (III) Biodiversity planning instruments; (IV) Conservation of ecosystems, habitats and landscapes not comprised in the network of protected areas; (V) Protection measures for main land, marine and water species; (VI) Autochthonous breeds and varieties important for food and agriculture; (VII) Alien species; (VIII) Ex-situ conservation; (IX) Research activities concerning biodiversity, (X) Distribution of benefits of using genetic materials and other biological molecules; (XI) Knowledge, novelties and practices of local communities, (XII) Public participation; (XIII) Control; (XIV) Economic and financial measures to support biodiversity, (XV) Penalties.