As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security were able to detect a number of environmental violations in the Royal Reserves in the Riyadh region, confirming their determination to firmly enforce regulations against anyone who violates environmental laws.
The authorities apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by grazing 13 camels in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator. The authorities clarified that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, aimed at curbing overgrazing that threatens the sustainability of vegetation.
Enforcement of regulations regarding unauthorized camping
In a related incident, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen for camping without a permit in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve. Authorities confirmed that the necessary legal measures were taken against him, noting that the penalty for camping in forests or national parks without a permit is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, in order to ensure that human activities within the reserves are regulated and do not harm the ecological balance.
The Kingdom's efforts in protecting the environment and royal reserves
These seizures come within the framework of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030, which places great importance on protecting the environment and natural resources. Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve, were established by royal decrees with the aim of preserving biodiversity, reintroducing endangered wildlife, developing vegetation cover, and combating desertification.
The Special Forces for Environmental Security act as the enforcement arm for environmental regulations, contributing to deterring violators and reducing harmful practices such as logging, overgrazing, and unregulated camping that leaves behind waste damaging the soil and animals. Adherence to these regulations is a national duty that contributes to improving the quality of life and ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Channels for reporting violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment by reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They explained that reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.
