degradation of the country's soil and water by using a technical body trained in appropriate methods for identifying and solving problems of water and soil, was the incorporation of the Directorate for the Regulation and Management of Catchment Areas into the organizational structure of DIRENA. 67. The Directorate for the Regulation of Catchment Areas was established to carry out the appropriate research to diagnose the degree of degradation of resources, the demand for resources and the impact of the inhabitants of the catchment area on favourable or unfavourable conditions regarding natural resources. 68. The environmental problem affecting the catchment area and any conflicts over its use are identified by comparing current and potential resource utilization (supply and demand). A proposal can then be made for regulation and management of the catchment area, and guidelines for sectoral management (soil, water, vegetation and forest) as well as utilization policies. 69. Within this conceptual framework, work is under way on a priority basis on: (a) the upper and middle catchment areas of the Malacatoya River; (b) the southern catchment area of Managua Lake and (c) the catchment areas of the Heroes v Martires de Veracruz Project. 70. Simultaneously, a "Water Law" is being prepared, together with standards for use of the Managua water table. 71. Standards for soil use and management at the national and regional levels and in the case of catchment areas for soils in the Pacific region, are at the consultancy stage; these standards are all based on a document which lays down the conceptual basis for standardization. 72. Furthermore, two soil conservation projects have begun: the Managua Central Erosion Project and the Western Central Erosion Project. They have led to the preparation of teaching models for soil use and conservation that have been sent to peasants, co-operatives and peasant education centres; all 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the establishment of a technical body to regulate and manage catchment areas, which is likely related to the conservation and management of natural resources, such as soil and water. It also mentions the preparation of a "Water Law" and standards for soil use and management, which suggests a focus on environmental protection and sustainable resource use. Additionally, the text mentions specific projects related to soil conservation and erosion control, which further supports the idea that the text is primarily related to natural resources and environmental conservation.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, Agriculture, forestry and fishing