The Ministry of Environment announced a series of new regulations for the issuing of environmental permits for infrastructure in mountainous areas. Resolution No. 0005-2017 updates requirements for the construction of housing projects in areas that are forested or serve as a source of surface water. Construction is now off limits 30 meters from a body of water, in its present location or original course. Development projects are required to maintain at least 60% of the forest intact on the property and owners will now be required to submit plans to restore native species at the site. Housing is banned at sites at elevations that are more than 1,200 meters above sea level.
In addition, owners of developments in mountainous areas are now required to create a trust in benefit of the Ministry of Environment in order to comply with the Program for Environmental Management (PMAA) that focuses on the sustainable use of natural resources.
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