As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and promote environmental awareness in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of three violators of the environmental system in various regions, as part of its intensive field campaigns to monitor compliance with the regulations and executive bylaws aimed at preserving vegetation and wildlife.
Details of the seizures in Hail and the King Abdulaziz Reserve
In the first incident, field patrols of the forces in the Hail region apprehended a citizen who violated regulations by lighting a fire in undesignated areas, posing a threat to vegetation and environmental safety. The necessary legal procedures were applied to him, and the forces emphasized that the penalty for lighting fires in forests or national parks outside designated areas is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals .
the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve observed another citizen driving his vehicle into the protected natural meadows and valleys, areas where vehicles are prohibited. Authorities explained that this act damages the soil and vegetation, emphasizing that the penalty for entering these protected areas is a fine of up to 2,000 riyals .
Combating illegal logging in Medina
In the Madinah region, the Special Security and Protection Forces apprehended a citizen in possession of quantities of locally sourced firewood, a clear violation of the environmental regulations that prohibit logging. The seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing. This operation is part of the Ministry of Interior's ongoing efforts to monitor the sale and marketing of locally sourced firewood and charcoal, whether within cities, along highways, or through online platforms.
National context: Vision 2030 and environmental protection
These seizures are particularly important given the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strategic focus on environmental protection within the framework of Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. Through enacting strict laws and establishing special environmental security forces, the state aims to halt environmental degradation, combat desertification, and increase green spaces.
Protecting vegetation from harmful practices such as logging, overgrazing, and vehicle entry into protected areas is a fundamental pillar for restoring ecological balance and protecting endangered plant and animal species, which contributes to improving the quality of life and reducing carbon emissions.
Violations reporting mechanism
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of damage to vegetation or wildlife. Reports can be made via the following numbers:
- 911 In the regions of Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
The forces confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility being imposed on the reporter, in order to strengthen the principle of community partnership in preserving the homeland’s environment.
