Brazil Enacts Law Establishing National Policy for Caatinga Biome Recovery

On June 11, 2026, Brazil's Federal Government enacted Law No. 15.430/2026, instituting the National Policy for the Recovery of Caatinga Vegetation and creating a coordinating National Program. The legislation aims to conserve, restore, and promote sustainable use of the Caatinga biome's native vegetation, which spans nearly 11% of Brazil and faces extreme climatic adversity such as prolonged droughts and desertification threats.

The law sets forth clear guidelines, goals, and instruments for ecological restoration and territorial recovery, stimulating productive activities that align with sustainability. It also mandates mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating restoration actions to ensure effectiveness. A significant feature is the emphasis on coordinated efforts between federal, state, and municipal governments, research bodies, civil society, local communities, and the private sector.

Originally proposed as Bill PL 1990/2024 by former senator Janaína Farias, now mayor of Crateús, Ceará, the law was approved by Congress in May and sanctioned by President Lula. Senator Leila Barros, the rapporteur, notably rejected a Chamber of Deputies amendment proposing a public conservation fund, citing its unconstitutionality without a constitutional amendment. Instead, the law prioritizes training personnel and leveraging technology in the recovery process, alongside active community involvement.

This policy marks a critical national endeavor to reverse Caatinga degradation, improve local food production, and alleviate social vulnerability in the affected northeastern regions.