The Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field efforts in the Riyadh region to protect vegetation and wildlife, and were able to apprehend a number of violators of the environmental system in several royal and natural reserves, within the framework of the Kingdom’s strategy to preserve natural resources.
In detail, field patrols apprehended a citizen for illegal grazing in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . Twelve camels were found grazing, and the necessary legal procedures were applied. The authorities clarified that the executive regulations of the Environmental Law clearly stipulate a fine of 500 riyals per camel for grazing in prohibited areas, in order to curb the degradation of natural pastures.
Fire violations and entering floodplains
In a related incident, authorities observed another citizen in the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve who violated regulations and guidelines for preserving vegetation by starting a fire in an unauthorized area. The authorities emphasized the seriousness of such practices, which threaten trees and wild plants, and reiterated that the penalty for starting fires in unauthorized areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
The campaign also resulted in the arrest of a citizen who violated regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and valleys within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . This practice is considered extremely harmful to the natural environment, as running over plants and disturbing the soil destroys seeds and prevents the growth of seasonal grasses. The authorities indicated that the penalty for driving vehicles into protected meadows and valleys is up to 2,000 riyals.
The importance of adhering to environmental regulations
These seizures come at a time when Saudi Arabia is witnessing unprecedented environmental activism as part of its Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. The strict regulations implemented by the Special Forces for Environmental Security aim to restore ecological balance, protect vegetation from desertification, and ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. Royal reserves serve as natural incubators, contributing to the protection of endangered biodiversity.
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment and to immediately report any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The forces emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
