The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a Saudi citizen for violating environmental regulations by illegally grazing 150 sheep within the boundaries of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, in an area where grazing is strictly prohibited. The forces clarified that the necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, emphasizing that the penalty for this violation is a fine of 200 Saudi Riyals for each sheep.
Ongoing efforts to protect ecosystems
This incident comes amidst Saudi Arabia’s intensive efforts to protect its natural environment and preserve biodiversity. The Special Forces for Environmental Security, established as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiatives, is the executive arm of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, working to monitor and enforce environmental regulations throughout the Kingdom, including royal reserves and national parks.
The importance of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh, is one of the largest nature reserves in the Kingdom, covering a vast area with the aim of reintroducing wildlife and restoring ecological balance to the region. The reserve's objectives include protecting vegetation from threats such as overgrazing, logging, and pollution, thus contributing to combating desertification and improving air quality. Banning grazing in specific areas within the reserve is essential to allow native plants to grow and flourish, and to provide natural habitats for reintroduced wildlife.
Negative effects of overgrazing
Overgrazing poses a serious threat to fragile desert ecosystems. It leads to the removal of vegetation cover, exposing the soil to wind and water erosion and accelerating desertification. It also negatively impacts the land's water retention capacity and reduces biodiversity by eliminating plants upon which other organisms depend for survival. Imposing strict penalties on violators reflects the state's commitment to addressing these harmful practices and protecting its natural resources for future generations.
A call for social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment by immediately reporting any violations against the environment or wildlife. Violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, with a guarantee of complete confidentiality for those reporting
