Law No. 8.449 amending Law No. 4.505 on the protection of springs, water sources, and the natural vegetation in their surrounding areas.

This Law amends Law No. 4.505 on the protection of springs, water sources, and surrounding natural vegetation in the State of Amazonas. The principal objective of the amendment is to enable the creation of the Programme for the Identification, Registration and Preservation of Water Springs in the State of Amazonas, strengthening existing conservation measures through a more systematic approach to the management and protection of freshwater resources. The programme is to be implemented by state agencies responsible for environmental and water resources management and aims to improve knowledge of the location, hydrological characteristics, and conservation status of springs throughout the state. The law further establishes guidelines for the registration and preservation of springs through the creation of a database containing detailed information to support public authorities, research institutions, and communities. It promotes the development of protection measures around springs, including the restoration of native vegetation and the prohibition of activities that may threaten water quality or ecological integrity. In addition, the amendment emphasizes environmental education by encouraging awareness campaigns involving local communities, schools, and civil society organizations, and allows for the preparation of action plans with specific goals and timelines to support the implementation of the programme.