Violations related to grazing and fire-starting were detected in the King Abdulaziz and Tuwaiq reserves

As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and enforce environmental regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security were able to apprehend a citizen who violated the environmental regulations by committing a grazing violation in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve .

The forces explained that the violator had grazed 150 sheep in areas where grazing is prohibited to protect vegetation. They confirmed that the necessary legal procedures were immediately applied to him upon his apprehension. The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that the executive regulations of the Environmental Law clearly stipulate a fine of 200 riyals per head for grazing sheep in prohibited areas, resulting in a substantial total fine in this case, intended to deter encroachments on protected areas.

Violation of lighting a fire in the Tuwaiq Reserve

In a related development concerning environmental monitoring efforts, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen for violating regulations in the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve in the Riyadh region. The violation consisted of failing to comply with instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation cover, as he lit a fire in an unauthorized area. The forces indicated that the penalty for lighting fires in unauthorized locations within forests, national parks, and reserves is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.

The importance of royal reserves and Vision 2030

These seizures come within the context of a broad national movement led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in line with Vision 2030, which prioritizes environmental protection and the development of vegetation cover. Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Tuwaiq Reserve, were established with the aim of restoring ecological balance, protecting wildlife from extinction, and mitigating desertification caused by overgrazing and logging over decades.

Adhering to the ban on grazing in protected areas is essential for allowing wild plants and perennial trees to grow and reproduce naturally, thus contributing to the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. Furthermore, preventing indiscriminate fires protects soil and vegetation from damage and reduces the risk of fires that could devastate vast areas of the natural environment.

Call to report violations

The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to adhere to environmental regulations and contribute to nature conservation, urging everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The forces emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.