Law No. 47/1988 relative to organization of the forestry regime, 5 December 1988.

This Law sets forth the forestry regime of Rwanda. It establishes a 10-year national forestry plan and 10-year forestry plans for each commune. All plans are to contain reforestation programs, among other things. The Law also creates a Forestry Service to manage and oversee the protection of the forest and a Forestry Fund, part of the receipts of which are to be used for reforestation. Provisions of the Law relating to the cutting of trees and other forest products require a permit for cutting on more than two hectares of land for other than familial use and levy a 1% fee on cut products. A permit is also required to clear land, and a request for such a permit is to be refused under a wide variety of circumstances relating to conservation of soil, water resources, natural forest, and the natural equilibrium of a region, among other things. Moreover, a permit for clearing is to be contingent on the beneficiary's reforesting an equivalent amount of land, subject to the availability of such land. The Law also requires all persons to take measures to protect the forest by establishing fire-breaks, using or destroying sick trees, and avoiding starting fires near wooded areas. In addition, holders of land rights, tenants, and occupiers are required to plant and maintain a number of trees to be determined later by the competent ministry, which is to furnish plants each year. This obligation is not to result in a reduction of the amount of land that can be cultivated. The Law sets penalties for persons who violate its provisions, including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of forest products.