Ongoing efforts to protect the Saudi environment
As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations and protect its natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the execution of two successful operations in the Riyadh and Makkah regions, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals violating environmental regulations. These operations underscore the Kingdom’s firm commitment to enforcing the law against anyone who attempts to harm vegetation and disrupt the ecological balance, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and its ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia.”.
General context: Environmental protection as a national priority
In recent years, the Kingdom has witnessed a strategic shift towards enhancing environmental sustainability. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established in 2019 as the executive arm of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, tasked with monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations. These forces work to protect forests, rangelands, and national parks, and combat harmful practices such as illegal logging, overgrazing, soil erosion, and pollution in all its forms. These efforts aim not only to impose penalties but also to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
Details of violations in Mecca and Riyadh
In the Makkah region, environmental security forces apprehended a Saudi citizen and three residents of Yemeni and Pakistani nationalities for their involvement in the unlicensed extraction and dredging of sedimentary rock. Four pieces of equipment and machinery used in these illegal activities were seized, and the necessary legal procedures were applied to the violators, who were then referred to the appropriate authorities. Dredging is considered one of the most dangerous practices that threaten land and exacerbate desertification, as it leads to the loss of the fertile topsoil and harms biodiversity.
In a separate operation in the Riyadh region, another citizen was apprehended for violating environmental regulations by transporting one cubic meter of local firewood within the boundaries of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. Legal procedures were initiated against him, and the confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. The authorities confirmed that the penalty for transporting local firewood and charcoal is a fine of up to 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, a deterrent measure aimed at protecting the Kingdom's rare tree cover.
Importance and impact: Beyond simply addressing violations
These security operations are of paramount importance both locally and nationally. Locally, they contribute directly to the preservation of the sensitive ecosystems in the Riyadh and Makkah regions, which hold significant religious, economic, and demographic importance. Nationally, they reflect the state's commitment to achieving its environmental objectives and rigorously enforcing the law, thereby strengthening the integrity of the ecosystem and sending a clear message that environmental violations are unacceptable. The Special Forces for Environmental Security urge citizens and residents to immediately report any violations against the environment or wildlife by calling the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
