The purpose of this decree is to specify the conditions of application of law n° 016-98 relating to the participatory management of oases, and in compliance with the fundamental principles it enshrines. The participatory management of oases aims to involve oasis populations in the development of oases and the conservation of their heritage; it is mainly ensured by oasis populations, through their organisations established by law n° 016-98. The decree sets out the procedures for setting up and operating the participatory oasis management associations, which also participate in the management of water resources, the fight against silting up and, with the support of the regional services of the Ministry of Rural Development and the Environment, to establish measures to regulate the introduction and movement of livestock in the peri-oasis area. Journal officiel de la République Islamique de Mauritanie nº 957, 30 Août 1999, p. 357 à 361.