Law No. 14/2017 establishing the General Forestry Regime.

This Law, consisting of 48 articles divided into four Chapters, defines the fundamental principles and standards for the management, protection, conservation and sustainable use of forestry and river basin resources, within the framework of a rational and integrated administration. It aims to respond to the needs of the communities that use the forests to their livelihood and prosperity, as well as promoting sustainable development. The Law applies throughout the national territory to all persons governed by public or private law, whether natural or legal entities. The main objectives of the definition of fundamental principles and norms related to the management, protection, conservation and sustainable use of forestry and river basin resources are: a) Forest protection and nature conservation; b) Conservation of river basins; c) afforestation and reclamation of soils; d) Community participation for forestry development; e) Institutional development of the forestry sector; f) Creation of favorable conditions for the development of the private sector.
The sustainable management of forestry resources ensures the protection, conservation and production of forests. Unless provided differently, the same forest or wooded area may perform different roles, namely social, economic and environmental functions. The State promotes the multiplicity and interrelation of forest functions based on the adequate forestry information. The State prioritizes sustainable forest management by communities. The Law is divided as follows: General provisions (Chap. I); Responsible entities (Chap. II); Forestry Policy tools (Chap. III); Final provisions (Chap. IV).