As part of ongoing field efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources in 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 inspection campaigns to ensure compliance with the executive regulations for the development of vegetation cover and combating desertification.
A fire was started in the Tuwaiq Reserve
Field patrols apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by lighting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve . This act contravenes strict instructions aimed at protecting the reserve's geological and plant components.
The authorities clarified that the necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, emphasizing that the penalty for starting fires in forests or national parks outside designated areas is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals . This measure is part of a strategy to protect vegetation from fires and illegal logging, which threaten the ecological balance.
Violation of overgrazing in royal reserves
In a related incident, the Special Forces for Environmental Security detected another violation: overgrazing within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . A citizen was apprehended for grazing seven camels in prohibited areas, posing a threat to the growth of wild plants and perennial trees in the region.
The forces indicated that the penalty stipulated for grazing violations is a fine of (500) riyals for each camel, and the necessary legal procedures were taken against the violator.
The importance of complying with environmental regulations
These seizures come at a time when the Kingdom is intensifying its efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 3000 Saudi Green Initiative , which aim to increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, and combat desertification. The Special Forces for Environmental Security play a pivotal role in enforcing regulations that ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations, as adherence to designated grazing areas and the prevention of indiscriminate fires are fundamental pillars for preserving biodiversity.
Channels for reporting violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security renewed their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. They explained that reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality.
