Law No. 17/2023 establishing the basic principles and standards on the protection, conservation and use of forestry resources.

This Law applies to natural and legal persons, as well as local communities, in the exercise of any activities relating to the creation, protection, conservation, valorization, access, exploitation, transport, processing, commercialization and supervision of existing forest heritage throughout National territory. This Law has the following objectives: a) ensure the conservation, creation and management of forestry heritage, aiming to improve the country's resilience to climate change; b) guarantee the sustainable use of forestry heritage; c) value local knowledge and sociocultural relationships existing in communities; d) ensure good governance of forestry assets; e) contribute to increasing competitiveness and adding value to the local and national economy; f) guarantee the participation of citizens and local communities in the good governance of forestry heritage; g) ensure access and equitable sharing of benefits associated with the conservation, exploration and use of forestry heritage; h) promote applied forestry research, aimed at biodiversity conservation, valorization, management and sustainable forest management. It also aims at the inclusion of women, recognizing their role in the management, conservation and use of forestry heritage and the need for their effective participation in the decision-making process.