Decree-Law No. 116/2019 establishing the protected areas co-management model.

This Decree-Law, consisting of 23 articles divided into three Chapters establishes the model of co-management of protected areas, which embodies the principle of participation of municipal bodies in their management, under the provisions of article 20 of Law No. 50/2018 of 16 August. It applies to the protected areas that constitute the National Network of Protected Areas (RNAP) under the Legal Regime of Conservation of Nature and Biodiversity (RJCNB), approved by Decree-Law No. 142/2008 of 24 July. Where appropriate and duly substantiated, the areas surrounding the protected areas, limited to the administrative boundaries of the municipalities that comprise them, may be considered, when necessary, for the implementation of measures aimed at the pursuit of the objectives of sustainable development in those protected areas. This Decree-Law does not apply to the areas provided for in article 21 of the RJCNB. The co-management model to be adopted for each of the protected areas nationwide aims to: a) Create a shared dynamic of valorization of the protected area, based on its sustainability in the political, social, economic, ecological, territorial and cultural dimensions, focusing specifically on the fields of promotion, awareness and communication; b) Establish concerted procedures aimed at better performance in safeguarding natural values and responding to society's requests, through greater efficiency between ICNF, I. P., municipalities and other competent public entities; c) Generate a closer relationship with citizens and relevant entities for the promotion of sustainable development of the protected area.