Ongoing efforts to protect the environment in the capital
As part of ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and protect natural resources in the Kingdom, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the apprehension of 16 individuals for violating environmental regulations in several locations in the Riyadh region. These operations are part of a series of intensive monitoring campaigns aimed at deterring environmentally harmful practices and maintaining ecological balance, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Details of violations and seizures
The first operation resulted in the arrest of 15 residents of various nationalities (Pakistani, Indian, Ethiopian, and Yemeni) for their involvement in illegal sediment extraction and soil dredging. The raid also led to the seizure of 23 pieces of heavy equipment and machinery used in these illicit activities. In a separate case, a Saudi citizen was arrested for starting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve, in clear violation of regulations protecting vegetation.
National context: Environmental protection as a strategic priority
These measures reflect the Kingdom’s significant transformation in environmental protection, a key pillar of Vision 2030. With the launch of ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East,” preserving ecosystems, combating desertification, and increasing vegetation cover have become national priorities. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established in 2019 as the executive arm of the Ministry of Interior to ensure the enforcement of environmental regulations, monitor protected areas, and combat environmental crimes such as poaching, logging, and pollution.
The importance of combating land clearing and arson
Soil erosion poses a serious threat to the fragile desert environment, leading to land degradation, loss of soil fertility, destruction of natural habitats for wildlife, and increased desertification. Lighting fires in undesignated areas is a grave danger that can escalate into widespread wildfires, destroying vast areas of vegetation that took years to grow, negatively impacting biodiversity and air quality. Therefore, authorities have emphasized that the penalty for lighting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
A call for social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting the environment and urged citizens and residents to immediately report any violations against the environment or wildlife. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. Complete confidentiality is guaranteed for all informants. This cooperation between security agencies and the community is the best way to ensure the sustainability of our environment for future generations.
