Decree No. 163/93 - Law on incentives for afforestation, reforestation and forest protection

The main objective of the Law is to establish incentives to promote the participation of the private sector in afforestation, reforestation and forest protection activities. It seeks to reverse the deforestation process, properly manage natural forests and establish forest plantations. Among its specific objectives are promoting afforestation and reforestation of forestry lands, stimulating participation in the proper management of natural forest resources, promoting the planting of energy and timber trees to satisfy the demand for firewood and reducing pressure on forests. natural forests, and protect watersheds to ensure adequate water supply. The law also establishes mechanisms to channel resources for the protection of the natural forest, afforestation and reforestation. The incentives provided for in the law will be granted to owners of private forest areas, cooperatives, peasant associative companies, individual farmers and ranchers, wood industrialists and other natural or legal persons that meet the established requirements. These incentives include free project preparation, technical assistance, the right to harvest forest products for domestic and commercial use, and return of the investment made in the protection of public and private forests. The Forest Fund will be created to finance the incentives and cover the costs of the Program, and a National Committee and Regional Executive Committees will be established for the direction and administration of the Program.