Decree-Law No. 45/2023 approving the National Plan for the Territorial Planning.

This Decree-Law, under the Law No. 6/2017 of 19 April, approves the National Plan for the Territorial Planning (in Annexes I and II). These annexes concern: a) Annex I (Report), consisting of: Volume 1 (Introduction and Physical and Socio-economic Characterization); Volume 2 (Territorial Strategic Diagnosis and Challenges Report); Volume 3 (National Territorial Planning Model); Volume 4 (Organization Proposals, Planning Measures and Guiding Standards); b) Annex II (Action Programme), consisting of Volume 5 (Action Programme). The National Territorial Planning has a national scope and, as a territorial planning instrument, is applicable to the entire national territory. The Plan is a territorial planning instrument that defines the strategic framework for the organization and use of the territory of Timor-Leste and constitutes the reference framework to be considered in the elaboration of the remaining instruments of the national territorial planning system and in the compatibility of sectoral public policies of the State, as well as, to the extent necessary, the safeguarding of values and resources of recognized national interest.
The Plan is public in nature, directly binding public entities to the planning proposals, planning measures and guiding standards contained therein, as well as those contained in the respective Action Programme and the National Territorial Planning Model. The Plan pursues the following specific purposes: a) Define a National Territorial Planning Model promoting an integrated, harmonious and sustainable development of the Country; b) Ensure territorial cohesion, by reducing development inequalities at the subnational level, particularly between municipalities, and promoting equal opportunities; c) Promote the territory as an integrating factor of public policies and sectoral strategic plans; d) Promote and protect soil with agricultural potential; e) Protect and enhance natural, heritage and cultural resources; f) Guide territorial, sectoral and sub-national public policies, particularly at regional and municipal levels and in urban and rural areas.