As part of its ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security the arrest of a number of violators of the environmental system in the Riyadh region, as part of its intensive field campaigns to monitor protected areas and ensure compliance with regulatory regulations.
Details of violations detected in royal reserves
Field patrols apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by driving his vehicle into protected meadows and desert areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . Legal action was immediately taken against him. In this context, the authorities clarified that driving vehicles into protected meadows and desert areas is a clear violation punishable by a fine of up to 2,000 riyals, due to the damage such vehicles cause to vegetation and soil.
In another incident, authorities apprehended a citizen who violated regulations and guidelines for preserving vegetation by starting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve . The authorities confirmed that legal procedures were being applied to him, noting that starting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks carries a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, given the risk of wildfires and the damage to the natural environment.
The seizures also included a violation related to overgrazing, where a citizen was apprehended for grazing eight camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The authorities clarified that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, making the total fine proportional to the number of camels seized.
The context of environmental protection and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These concerted efforts by the Special Forces for Environmental Security align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , specifically the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which prioritizes the protection and development of vegetation cover and combating desertification. Royal reserves are a cornerstone of this strategy, aiming to reintroduce wildlife and protect biodiversity from harmful practices.
Adherence to environmental regulations is a national duty that contributes to the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. The indiscriminate entry of vehicles and overgrazing lead to soil degradation and the extinction of rare wild plants, necessitating strict enforcement of penalties to deter violators.
Reporting mechanism and social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security renewed their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They explained that 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 are treated with complete confidentiality, and the reporter bears no legal responsibility, reinforcing the principle of community partnership in preserving the nation's environment.
