As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and combat illegal logging, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a number of individuals violating environmental regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These intensive field operations are part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at preserving natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
In the first incident, field patrols from the forces in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve apprehended a Saudi citizen and two Pakistani residents for a clear violation of environmental regulations. The violation involved transporting approximately two cubic meters of local firewood. Security authorities promptly implemented the necessary legal procedures against them, and the seized firewood was handed over to the relevant authorities. In this context, the forces reiterated their warnings that the legal penalties are strict and will not be tolerated. The fine for transporting local firewood or charcoal can reach 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in order to deter anyone who might consider harming the plant life.
In a related incident, authorities detected another violation within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, where a citizen was apprehended for failing to comply with instructions and guidelines regarding the preservation of vegetation and for lighting a fire in an unauthorized area. Authorities emphasized that the fine for lighting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is 3,000 riyals, stressing the importance of using fire pits and adhering to designated picnic areas to ensure environmental safety.
The importance of protecting vegetation cover and combating desertification
These security efforts are of paramount importance given the environmental challenges facing the region, where illegal logging is a major cause of desertification and land degradation. Royal reserves serve as safe havens aimed at restoring biodiversity and protecting ancient trees such as acacia, tamarisk, and ghaf, which play a vital role in soil stabilization, reducing dust storms, and providing habitats for wildlife.
These measures support the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover and reduce carbon emissions. Therefore, authorities are continuously urging citizens and residents to use imported alternatives to charcoal and firewood available in the market, as a sustainable option that avoids the destruction of native trees that need decades to grow in the desert environment.
Methods of reporting environmental violations
In closing, the Special Forces for Environmental Security called upon everyone to recognize their national responsibility and to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They clarified that reporting channels are available 24/7 via the number 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and via the numbers 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that all reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
