Act No. 33/96 concerning forestry policy.

This Act defines national forestry policy which is necessary for the management, conservation and development of forests and their natural resources, according to human need. Its 5 chapters define forestry resources exploitation policy according to national development and conservation priorities. The purposes of this forestry policy are promoting and guaranteeing forestry expansion and protection (water resources, soil conservation, air quality, combating soil erosion and desertification), agricultural productivity improvement, forestry management (by regulating forestry exploitation and by supporting cooperative societies), etc. It also establishes forest protection measures in particular on endangered species, or ecosystems of special relevance and against forest fires. Chapter II concerns the organization of forests which is regulated by the authorities responsible for regional management plans; chapters II-V specify administrative competencies and duties of interministerial authorities; forestry research institutions; financial incentives requirements; forestry security aid, etc.