Law on the Prevention of Deforestation and Desertification (Law N: 04/1998). Country/Territory Somalia Territorial subdivision Somaliland Document type Legislation Date 1998 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Environment gen., Forestry, Land & soil, Water, Wild species & ecosystems Keyword Authorization/permit Protection forest Protection of environment Protected area Afforestation/reforestation Grazing Timber extraction/logging National parks Pastoralism Plant protection Forest management/forest conservation Livestock water use Desertification Erosion Hazards Sustainable use Basin/catchment/watershed Well sinking/boreholes Inland waters Endangered species Game Hunting/capture Protection of species Geographical area Africa, Eastern Africa, Indian Ocean, Least Developed Countries, Red Sea & Gulf of Aden, Sahel Entry into force notes This Law enters into force upon the signature of the President, after the approval of the House of Representatives, and shall be published in the Official Gazette. Abstract This Law consisting of 19 articles aims at curbing environmental problems of Somaliland, in particular, those related to tree destruction and consequent risks, and restoring land erosion. In particular (i) article 1 lists the non-prohibited plant that can be cut without a permit from the Ministry of Rural Development, Vegetation and Environment; (ii) article 2 lists the plants that it is not possible to cut or burn; (iii) article 3 lists the forest reserves of the region and prohibited actions within these areas are listed in article 4. Furthermore, (iv) the illegal possession of plants is punished and the plants possessed seized, as per article 5; (v) the different kinds of parks (i.e. seasonal reserve, drought reserve, absolute reserve) of Somaliland are listed in article 7; (vi) hunting, trading, and export of all kinds of games and birds are prohibited (art.8), even if national, regional, and local authorities can offer as a gift game and birds provided they are not endangered animals; (vii) article 9 establishes that if deemed necessary, the Ministry may take some steps (a) to reclaim the land for grazing, agriculture, reforestation, soil conservation, or deforestation; or (b) to control pasture, vegetation, and related forests and wildlife and utilize water. A detailed list of possible actions is provided in article 9; (viii) the Ministry may authorize the establishment of fodder crop production and the storage of trees and fodder as a basis for the Food Bank (art.10); (ix) rules for the establishment of environmental protection rangers to investigate, conduct and enforce this Law are dealt with in article 11; (x) the Ministry is also responsible for the development of pasture and water for livestock. It also grants permits for the construction of pools, lakes, and ponds and their registration; (x) taxes and license fees are the objects of article 14. Full text Somali Website www.govsomaliland.org