Special forces for environmental security seize violations in royal reserves
announced The Special Forces for Environmental Security the apprehension of several individuals violating environmental regulations in various royal reserves, as part of their ongoing efforts to monitor protected areas and safeguard the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A citizen was apprehended for violating regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and valleys within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, and legal action was immediately taken against him.
The forces explained that the executive regulations of the environmental system clearly stipulate the prohibition of vehicles and cars entering protected wild meadows and gardens, noting that the penalty for this act is a fine of (2,000) riyals, in order to preserve the vegetation cover from the deterioration caused by vehicle wheels.
The Kingdom's efforts in protecting vegetation and reserves
These seizures come within the framework of the Kingdom's strategic direction towards enhancing environmental sustainability. Royal reserves were established by decrees aimed at preserving biodiversity and restoring balance to the natural environment. Competent authorities are working to strictly enforce regulations to prevent harmful practices that have prevailed for decades, such as illegal logging and unregulated grazing, which have led to the desertification of vast areas. These reserves are a cornerstone of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover and reduce carbon emissions.
Controlling violations of logging and overgrazing
In a related development, the Special Forces for Environmental Security their field operations, apprehending another citizen in possession of a cubic meter of locally sourced firewood within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. The necessary legal procedures were applied, and the confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. The forces stated that penalties for such offenses are severe, with fines for using locally sourced firewood and charcoal in commercial activities reaching 32,000 riyals per cubic meter, while the penalty for transporting, selling, and storing it reaches 16,000 riyals per cubic meter.
The campaign also resulted in the apprehension of a citizen who violated the law by grazing 29 camels in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. Authorities confirmed that the penalty for grazing camels in restricted areas is 500 riyals per camel, in order to protect annual plants and shrubs from overgrazing, which threatens the sustainability of natural pastures.
The importance of the role of special forces in environmental security and reporting
The forces play a pivotal role in deterring violators and raising public awareness about the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. Public awareness is the first line of defense in protecting the Kingdom's environment for future generations. The forces emphasized the necessity of everyone's cooperation in reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse.
Citizens and residents can report violations by calling (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and on the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports are dealt with in complete confidentiality and without any liability on the part of the reporter.
