A violator was apprehended for damaging vegetation in the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Reserve
Strict enforcement of environmental law in royal reserves
The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen who violated environmental regulations by starting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve. This act damaged vegetation, necessitating immediate intervention by the relevant authorities. The forces confirmed that the necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator and he was referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
General context: The Kingdom's efforts to protect the environment within Vision 2030
This incident comes amidst Saudi Arabia’s intensive national efforts to protect and develop its natural environment, a cornerstone of Vision 2030. In recent years, the Kingdom has launched ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East,” aimed at rehabilitating degraded lands, increasing vegetation cover, and combating desertification. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were also established in 2019 as the executive arm of the Ministry of Interior, tasked with monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations throughout the Kingdom, including the vast nature reserves established to preserve the region’s unique biodiversity.
The importance of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve
The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, located in the northwest of the Kingdom, is one of the largest reserves in the Middle East, spanning over 16,000 square kilometers. The reserve aims to reintroduce endangered wildlife such as the Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, and gazelles, as well as restore the region's ecological balance. Protecting the reserve's vegetation is crucial, as it provides food and shelter for these animals and contributes to soil stability and prevents degradation. Therefore, any encroachment on its natural components, such as indiscriminate fires, poses a direct threat to this fragile ecosystem.
Sanctions and their deterrent effect
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that the penalty for lighting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals. The application of these penalties aims to deter violators and raise public awareness of the importance of adhering to environmental regulations. Preserving these national assets is not solely the responsibility of government agencies, but rather a shared societal responsibility. In this context, the forces urged everyone to immediately report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations via the designated emergency numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. They affirmed that all reports will be treated with utmost seriousness and confidentiality.
