Ongoing efforts to protect ecosystems in the Kingdom
As part of its ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and preserve the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of two citizens in the Riyadh and Asir regions for committing two separate violations that harm vegetation and ecological balance. These operations are part of the forces' pivotal role in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
Violation of overgrazing in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
In the Riyadh region, environmental security patrols apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by illegally grazing a flock of 115 sheep. The violation occurred within the boundaries of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, an area where grazing is prohibited to preserve rare vegetation and allow ecosystems to recover. The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, with authorities confirming that the penalty for grazing sheep in prohibited areas is 200 Saudi Riyals per head.
The importance of royal reserves and the impact of overgrazing
Royal reserves, established by royal decree, are a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s strategy to protect and reintroduce wildlife and develop natural vegetation. Overgrazing in these areas poses a direct threat to these efforts, leading to soil degradation, increased desertification, and biodiversity loss, which negatively impacts the environment’s ability to provide vital services such as carbon absorption and air purification.
Exploiting sediments and dredging soil in Asir
In a related incident, authorities in the Asir region apprehended another citizen for environmental violations, specifically the unauthorized extraction of sediment and soil. The operation resulted in the seizure of equipment used in the violation, including excavation and transport machinery. Soil extraction is a destructive practice that removes the fertile topsoil, destroying vegetation and exposing the area to water and wind erosion.
A call for social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to report any violations against the environment or wildlife. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasize that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that requires everyone's cooperation to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
