Decree-Law No. 5/2016 creating the National System of Protected Areas.

This Decree-Law, consisting of 55 articles divided into nine Chapters and one Annex, establishes the legal regime applicable to the creation and management of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). The legal regime established in this Decree-law is applicable to all national territory and waters under national jurisdiction, subject to the application of special regimes, regulated by international legislation. The State shall establish the SNAP with the following objectives: a) to protect designated areas representing all ecosystems and critical habitats for endemic species, for migratory species or other species protected by law; b) implement an ecosystem approach and ensure that ecosystems continue to provide the necessary services on which human well-being depends; c) ensure the resilience and capacity of protected areas and underlying ecosystems in mitigating and adapting natural and man-made pressures, including climate change. The Annex lays down the List of Terrestrial and Marine Protected Areas.