Environmental violators apprehended in Asir, Riyadh, and Medina
As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and ensure the sustainability of vegetation cover in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security their intensive field campaigns to apprehend violators of the environmental system in several regions, including Asir, Riyadh and Madinah, in implementation of strict environmental regulations aimed at reducing unfair practices that harm nature.
Regulating the transport of local firewood in Asir
The Special Forces for Environmental Security in the Asir region apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by transporting one cubic meter of locally sourced firewood . Legal procedures were immediately implemented against him, and the confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. This action is part of the ongoing efforts to combat illegal logging, a major cause of desertification and the degradation of vegetation cover. The forces emphasized that penalties for such violations are severe, with fines reaching 16,000 riyals per cubic meter for transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal, designed to deter violators and protect native trees.
Grazing violations in royal reserves
In the Riyadh region, field patrols apprehended a citizen who violated grazing regulations by bringing 20 camels into prohibited grazing areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . Overgrazing in protected areas poses a direct threat to biodiversity and hinders the growth of seasonal and perennial wild plants. Authorities confirmed that legal action was taken against the violator, noting that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
Soil erosion in Medina
In another incident in the Medina region, authorities apprehended two Pakistani residents who were illegally excavating and dredging soil using two pieces of heavy equipment, which were seized at the site. These practices are considered serious violations that alter the topography of the land and damage the natural environment of valleys and ravines.
The context of environmental protection and Vision 2030
These seizures are part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom within Vision 2030 and the “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative, which aims to protect the environment, develop vegetation cover, and combat desertification. The Special Forces for Environmental Security play a pivotal role in enforcing environmental regulations to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations, as adherence to environmental regulations is a national duty that contributes to improving the quality of life.
The forces called on everyone to cooperate and report any cases that constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife, by calling the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality.
