Forest (Eco-Tourism Facilities Concession) Regulations, 2020.

These Regulations, comprising 29 articles, establish in Article 4 that the Minister may designate concession areas within national forest reserves for eco-tourism investment, provided a General Management Plan is in place. Designated areas must meet specific criteria, including the presence of sustainable recreational resources, unique selling points, exceptional diversity, revenue-generating potential, accessibility, integration into existing tourism circuits, and clearly defined GPS-marked boundaries. Concessions are awarded by the Chief Executive through either solicited or unsolicited proposals, with detailed procedures outlined in the Regulations. Article 17 requires the Chief Executive to ensure that the interests of both the public and the United Republic are fully protected before signing any concession contract. Article 19 further emphasizes that the Government must receive a fair share in such ventures, and citizens must be given the opportunity to acquire ownership stakes. Article 22 delegates concession-related responsibilities to the Directorate of Forest Resource Management, which supports the Chief Executive in planning, processing, monitoring, negotiating, managing contracts, conducting audits, and maintaining a concession database. Concession contracts can last up to twenty years and may be renewed if all conditions are met. Upon expiry or termination, all immovable assets within the concession area revert to the Agency. Additionally, all recreational activities within national forest reserves are subject to fees.