The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen in the Asir region for violating environmental regulations. He was apprehended after appearing in a video offering wildlife for sale without the necessary permits. The forces confirmed that all legal procedures against the violator have been completed, reflecting the authorities' commitment to enforcing environmental laws and protecting the Kingdom's unique biodiversity.
Background of national efforts to preserve the environment
This incident comes within the context of a comprehensive national transformation undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect its environment and natural resources, a key pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. In recent years, the Kingdom has launched ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East,” and established specialized bodies such as the Special Forces for Environmental Security and the National Center for Wildlife Development. These integrated efforts aim to rehabilitate ecosystems, combat desertification, protect endangered species, and establish a robust legal framework to deter environmentally harmful practices, including the illegal trade in wildlife.
The environmental importance of the Asir region and the impact of violations
The Asir region possesses exceptional environmental importance, being one of the Kingdom's richest areas in terms of biodiversity thanks to its mountainous terrain and temperate climate. The region is home to numerous rare plant and animal species, some of which are endemic to the Arabian Peninsula. Poaching and illegal trafficking of wildlife, such as the rock hyrax mentioned in the penalties, pose a direct threat to the delicate ecological balance of this region. These activities disrupt the food chain and endanger species, negatively impacting the Kingdom's natural heritage and its efforts to develop sustainable ecotourism that relies on these natural resources.
Details of the sanctions and their role in deterrence
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations impose strict penalties on violators. They explained that the penalty for offering captured wildlife for sale is a fine of up to 20,000 Saudi Riyals, while the fine for hunting a rock hyrax is 25,000 Riyals. These fines not only aim to punish violators but also serve as a strong deterrent to others, underscoring that natural resources and wildlife are not commodities to be traded indiscriminately, but rather a national heritage that must be protected. In a related incident, the forces also apprehended another violator in the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve for starting a fire in an unauthorized area, imposing a fine of up to 3,000 Riyals, highlighting the comprehensive monitoring of various types of environmental violations.
A call for social responsibility and reporting of abuses
Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Special Forces for Environmental Security affirmed that they continuously monitor violations reported across various platforms and urged citizens and residents to be active partners in environmental protection. They called for the immediate reporting of any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, guaranteeing complete confidentiality for those reporting.
