Legislative Decree No.78 of 2011 establishing the General Authority for the management, development and protection of desert lands. Country/Territory Syrian Arab Republic Document type Legislation Date 2011 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Land & soil Keyword Institution Less favoured areas Sustainable development Pastoralism Smallholders/peasants Research Geographical area Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Western Asia Abstract This Decree consisting of 17 articles aims at establishing the General Authority for the management, development and protection of the desert lands with also the membership of a representative of the General Union of the Peasants. Main tasks of the Authority are (i) develop and protect desert lands together with the development of its local community and its natural and human resources and infrastructure; (ii) manage the various activities ; (iii) coordinate between stakeholders to implement economic, social and environmental development programs; (iv) propose economic, social and environmental strategies and policies; (v) organize the communities in the desert lands and create administrative units where improving investment and providing social, cultural, health and economic services in line with the pastoral production system; (vi) prepare studies and scientific researches; (vii) develop production and investment plans for development in the desert lands and follow up on their implementation; (viii) prepare development programs to provide employment opportunities for the local population. Full text Arabic Website www.parliament.gov.sy References - Legislation Implements Law No. 62 of 24 December 2006 considering desert lands (Albadeya) as a private State property. Legislation | Syrian Arab Republic | 2006 Keyword: Access right, Less favoured areas, Expropriation, Land tenure, Offences/penalties, Ownership, Public land, Right of use Source: FAO, FAOLEX Repeals Legislative Decree No. 34 of 13 August 2006 establishing the General Authority for Management and Development of Desert (Albadeya). Legislation | Syrian Arab Republic | 2006 Keyword: Institution, Less favoured areas, Land reform, Policy/planning Source: FAO, FAOLEX Amended by Legislative Decree 39 of 2012 amending Legislative Decree 78 of 2011 establishing the General Authority for the management, development and protection of desert lands. (al-Badia). Legislation | Syrian Arab Republic | 2012 Keyword: Institution Source: FAO, FAOLEX