As part of ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security their intensive field campaigns to apprehend violators of the environmental system. Recently, they were able to detect and apprehend two separate cases in the Riyadh and Madinah regions, related to overgrazing and local logging, which are practices that pose a direct threat to vegetation cover and ecological balance.
A grazing violation was recorded in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve
In the first incident in the Riyadh region, field patrols successfully apprehended a Sudanese resident who violated environmental regulations by grazing (40) camels in prohibited grazing areas within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve . Legal procedures were immediately applied to the violator upon his apprehension.
The forces explained that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited places is a fine of (500) riyals for each camel, which means that environmental violations are not tolerated, especially in the royal reserves that were established by royal decrees with the aim of restoring wildlife and protecting wild plants from extinction.
Combating illegal logging in Medina
In a related incident in the Madinah region, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in possession of 20 cubic meters of local firewood , a clear violation of environmental regulations that prohibit the cutting or trading of local trees. The necessary legal procedures were taken against the citizen, and the seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities.
The authorities emphasized the severity of the penalties related to logging, noting that the fine for using local firewood and charcoal in commercial activities reaches 32,000 riyals per cubic meter, while the penalty for transporting, selling, and storing it reaches 16,000 riyals per cubic meter. These strict penalties are intended to deter practices that contribute to desertification and land degradation.
National context for environmental protection
These seizures align with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which prioritize environmental protection, vegetation development, and combating desertification. The Special Forces for Environmental Security serve as a vital security arm for enforcing environmental regulations. Preventing overgrazing and illegal logging contributes to restoring biodiversity in the Kingdom, reducing dust storms, and promoting sustainable ecotourism.
Official reporting channels
The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. 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 the utmost confidentiality.
