General Water Law of Honduras

The General Water Law of Honduras establishes the principles and regulations applicable to the proper management of water resources for the protection, conservation, valuation, and utilization of water resources, in order to promote integrated management at the national level. It creates an institutional structure led by the Water Authority, which includes the National Water Resources Council, the National Water Resource Institute, and Basin Councils, to administer water as a public good. It defines the legal framework for granting usage rights through permits, licenses, and concessions, guaranteeing the priority of human consumption, and establishes instruments for planning, regulation, and protection of water resources, as well as an economic and sanctioning regime to ensure its sustainable management.