Environmental violations detected in Riyadh: grazing and fires in nature reserves
As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and ensure environmental sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security the implementation of a series of successful field operations in the Riyadh region, which resulted in the arrest of a number of violators of the environmental system and the executive regulations related to the protection of vegetation and wildlife.
Details of seizures and prescribed penalties
Field patrols apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by illegally grazing twelve camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, with authorities clarifying that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
In a related incident, authorities apprehended another citizen in the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve for violating environmental regulations by starting a fire in an unauthorized area, posing a direct threat to vegetation. Competent officials confirmed that the penalty for this offense in forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
The campaigns also resulted in the apprehension of a third violator for driving his vehicle into the meadows and valleys within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve , a practice that leads to soil degradation and the destruction of seasonal vegetation. The authorities indicated that the penalty for driving vehicles into protected wild meadows and valleys is up to 2,000 riyals.
Context of environmental protection and the Saudi Green Initiative
These seizures come at a time when the Kingdom is intensifying its efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and preserve biodiversity. Royal reserves play a crucial role in this strategy, as vast areas have been designated as safe havens for wildlife and plants, necessitating the strict enforcement of regulations to ensure the environmental recovery of these areas.
Overgrazing, logging, random fire-setting, and running over plants with vehicles are among the most prominent challenges facing the desert environment, as these practices lead to soil erosion and loss of natural seeds, which hinders the natural life cycle of wild plants.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the importance of community awareness and adherence to environmental regulations, 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 affirmed that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
