In a move reflecting the government's resolve to protect natural resources, Special Forces for Environmental Security their proactive and field operations to apprehend violators of environmental regulations. Recent campaigns targeted the Riyadh, Asir, and Madinah regions, resulting in the detection of violations ranging from soil pollution and illegal logging to unauthorized camping, all within the framework of a comprehensive national strategy to preserve vegetation cover.
Asir: Soil pollution and a 10 million riyal fine
In an incident highlighting the strict enforcement of environmental regulations, field patrols in the Asir region apprehended a Bangladeshi resident caught dumping concrete materials in unauthorized locations. This act is not merely a regulatory violation, but an environmental crime that damages the soil's biosphere and contaminates groundwater.
The authorities clarified that the system does not tolerate such practices, with penalties for damaging or polluting the soil, or engaging in any activity that negatively affects its natural properties, reaching a hefty fine of up to 10 million riyals . This severity in penalties stems from the difficulty of treating contaminated soil and the high cost of its environmental rehabilitation.
Medina: A continuing war against desertification
In an effort to combat desertification, which threatens the desert environment, authorities in the Madinah region apprehended a citizen in possession of a quantity of locally sourced firewood (3 cubic meters). Logging has been one of the biggest challenges facing the Kingdom for decades, prompting major national initiatives to curb it.
The forces were reminded of the strict sanctions schedule relating to local firewood and charcoal:
- 32,000 riyals per cubic meter in case of commercial use.
- 16,000 riyals per cubic meter when transporting, selling, or storing.
These fines aim to dry up the sources of the local firewood trade and protect acacia, tamarisk and other trees from extinction.
Riyadh: Protecting Royal Reserves from Randomness
In Riyadh, specifically within the King Abdulaziz Royal , a citizen was apprehended for violating reserve regulations by camping without a permit. Royal reserves hold strategic importance in the Kingdom's Vision 2030, having been established by royal decree to restore ecological balance and promote the growth of wildlife.
The forces indicated that the fine for camping without a license in forests or national parks is (3,000) riyals , stressing that obtaining licenses ensures the regulation of human activities in a way that does not conflict with the sustainability of nature.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and environmental security
These seizures cannot be separated from the general context in which the Kingdom is living under Vision 2030. The “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative has brought about a radical transformation in dealing with the environmental file, as the Kingdom has moved from the stage of awareness to the stage of strict enforcement of regulations through a specialized security apparatus (the Special Forces for Environmental Security).
Through these measures, the Kingdom seeks to:
- Protecting vegetation and increasing green spaces.
- Reducing pollution in all its forms (visual, air, and soil).
- Promoting sustainable ecotourism as an economic driver.
Reporting and Corporate Social Responsibility Numbers
In conclusion, the authorities reiterated their call for community participation in monitoring, emphasizing that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. Any violations can be reported through the following official channels:
- Number (911) : For the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- The numbers (999) and (996) : for the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
