Environmental violators apprehended in Mecca and the Eastern Province: Poultry and local firewood seized
As part of the ongoing efforts by security and regulatory authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect natural resources and ensure compliance with environmental and marine regulations, field teams in both the Makkah region and the Eastern region were able to apprehend a number of violators of regulations, in the context of intensive campaigns to monitor violations that threaten wildlife, fish stocks, and vegetation cover.
Seizure of fishing violations in Al-Qunfudhah
The coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Makkah Region, announced the arrest of five Egyptian residents for violating maritime safety regulations. They were apprehended while fishing without the required permits, and quantities of fish caught illegally were found in their possession. The relevant authorities have initiated legal proceedings against them, prior to referring them to the appropriate bodies for the application of the prescribed penalties.
This operation comes at a time when the Kingdom is intensifying its coastal surveillance to curb illegal and unlicensed fishing, which poses a direct threat to fish stocks and the marine ecosystem. Authorities are working to regulate fishing operations to ensure the sustainability of marine resources, as fishing without a permit is a serious violation that can lead to the depletion of certain fish species and damage to coral reefs and the delicate marine environment.
Combating illegal logging and the sale of local firewood in the Eastern Province
In a related matter concerning the protection of vegetation, patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations. He was found in possession of quantities of locally sourced firewood offered for sale for commercial purposes. The seized items were confiscated and handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures.
The Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with environmental authorities, continues its close monitoring of the marketing of locally produced charcoal and firewood, both within cities and governorates and on highways connecting regions, in addition to monitoring online platforms. These stringent measures aim to combat the phenomenon of illegal logging, which has, for decades, led to the degradation of vegetation cover and an increase in desertification across the Kingdom.
The importance of adhering to environmental regulations
Environmental protection is a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which has led to the enactment of strict legislation and harsher penalties against those who harm the environment, whether through poaching, logging, or illegal deforestation. These efforts are of paramount importance both locally and regionally, as they contribute to restoring biodiversity, improving air quality, and protecting natural habitats for wildlife, thereby enhancing the quality of life and ensuring the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Channels for reporting violations
Security authorities, the Border Guard, and the General Directorate of Mujahideen urge all citizens and residents to adhere to regulations and instructions and to promptly report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999, 996, and 994 in the rest of the Kingdom. They emphasize that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter bears no responsibility.
