The FAO Legal Office
provides in-house counsel in accordance with the Basic Texts of the Organization, gives legal advisory services to FAO members, assists in the formulation of treaties on food and agriculture, for which the Director-General acts as Depositary, publishes legal studies and maintains a database (FAOLEX) of national legislation and international agreements concerning food and agriculture (including fisheries, forestry and water).

Visit our publications page for a full list of legislative studies in print. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting FAO Publications Catalogue online.

Overwhelmingly approved by the FAO Conference, the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing aims to prevent illegally caught fish from entering international markets through ports. Under the terms of the treaty, foreign vessels will  provide  advance notice and request permission for port entry, countries will conduct regular inspections in accordance with universal minimum standards, offending vessels will be denied use of port or certain port services  and information sharing networks will be created.

A new regional fisheries management body for the Central Asia and Caucasus region has been established under the Agreement on the Central Asian and Caucasus Regional Fisheries and Aquaculture Commission. The Commission will promote sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, recognising the specific needs of these states with economies in transition.  The Commission will promote and facilitate special cooperative efforts and assistance for better management of inland fisheries and sustainable development of aquaculture in order to increase fish production and hence improve food security in its area of competence. More on treaties...

Concepts, case studies, effective approaches and issues concerning wildlife law and the empowerment of the poor; legislative and regulatory options for animal welfare and statutory recognition of customary land rights in Africa are addressed in three of our latest legislative studies now available in print. Contact our Publications and Sales unit to order your copy. Or click here to access online versions.