On July 14, 2025, the Organic Law for Reinforcement of Protected Areas was published in Official Gazette No. 80 (fourth supplement).
This law introduces significant changes in the management and financing of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). Highlights include:
- New Institutional Architecture
The law creates the National Protected Areas Service as a public, technical and specialized agency. This new service, which will operate with administrative, operational and financial autonomy, will be responsible for regulating, controlling and sanctioning protected areas, under the direction of the National Environmental Authority.
- Financial Instruments and Investment Opportunities
Public trusts may be established for the management of the National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). These trusts will be financed by national and international donations, loans, project returns, and other income such as fees and charges. The law also establishes the possibility of developing specific, non-invasive projects in protected areas, with the aim of generating income to support conservation and local development. Activities permitted in these projects include infrastructure maintenance, species conservation, restoration, guiding, food, accommodation, transportation, and biodiversity monitoring.
- Changes to Security and Control
The law authorizes the temporary intervention of the National Police or the Armed Forces in protected areas where criminal groups exist, in order to neutralize threats and restore normality. The National Police, the Armed Forces, and the National Environmental Authority must develop a Comprehensive Security Plan and intervention protocols for these areas. The law also establishes monitoring with surveillance technology for areas that are difficult to access.
- Participation by Communities and Indigenous Peoples
The law recognizes that indigenous communities, peoples and nationalities can participate in the management of protected areas. Cooperation agreements may be signed for the temporary use of infrastructure and spaces within these areas for the provision of services. The development of projects in their territories must guarantee the collective rights established in the Constitution, such as prior, free and informed consultation.
- Permitted Activities
Any tourism, conservation or infrastructure project in public use areas will require the corresponding administrative environmental authorizations. These projects must be non-invasive and in no case will they represent ownership of the territory or privatization of the area.
- Financial Incentives
Artisanal Ports: Remission of 100% of past due rental payments.
National Finance Corporation (CFN B.P.): Remission of interest and arrears, with payment plans of up to 36 months.
Financial System: Review of bank provisions within 60 days to facilitate rural credit.
- Sectoral Reforms
Travel: Extension of tourist stays.
Taxation: Elimination of the limit on the number of days for the VAT exemption on accommodation.
Aviation: Automatic recognition of operating certificates.
Transport: Excise tax exemption for electric vehicles.
Public Service: Reduction of the minimum retirement age to 60 years.
If you would like more information, please contact our partners:
- Rafael Pástor (rpastor@pbplaw.com)
- Jaime Zaldumbide (jzaldumbide@pbplaw.com)
Editorial Board
