This decree-law creates the certification rules for the Caminho de Santiago itineraries. It acknowledges the absence of coordination that would prevent areas of conflict with other activities and that would promote the social and economic development of the regions that make up the Camino de Santiago itineraries, through concerted actions between the various public and private sectors. As a result, the policy aims to facilitate the knowledge and the accurate delimitation of pilgrimage itineraries in the national territory with consistent and historically proven use.
The new certification procedure establishes that the managing entity sends a certification request to the certification commission. It also dictates that the certification committee analyses the application and consults the advisory board on this matter. Additionally, it determines that the committee, then, presents a proposal for itinerary certification to those government members responsible for the areas of tourism and culture and that the decision to certify the itinerary is approved by ordinance.
Through the certification of pilgrimage itineraries in the national territory, this decree-law guarantees that the Caminhos de Santiago are considered to be of public interest. As a result, it contributes to their appreciation and promotion and reinforces the importance of the Paths as cultural heritage.
