Environmental security forces in Riyadh have cracked down on grazing violations and illegal entry into protected areas
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 announced the arrest of a number of violators of the environmental system in the Riyadh region, as part of its intensive field campaigns to monitor protected areas.
Details of enforcement of overgrazing regulations
Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing 16 camels in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . Legal procedures were immediately applied to the violator upon his apprehension. In this context, the forces emphasized that the executive regulations of the Environmental Law are strict in this regard, confirming that the penalty for illegal camel grazing is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, in order to curb overgrazing, which is a major cause of desertification and the degradation of vegetation cover.
Violations of entering protected areas by vehicles
In a related incident, authorities detected another violation: a citizen driving his vehicle into the protected meadows and desert areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal . This act contravenes regulations prohibiting vehicular entry into these environmentally sensitive areas, as it damages the soil and inhibits the growth of seasonal plants. Authorities clarified that the penalty for such violations, specifically the entry of vehicles into protected meadows and desert areas, is a fine of 2,000 riyals.
National context and the importance of environmental security
These seizures come within the context of a broad national movement led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030 , which has placed great emphasis on environmental protection. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a specialized security agency under the Ministry of Interior, with the aim of enforcing environmental regulations and monitoring compliance. The work of these forces is a cornerstone in achieving the objectives of the "Saudi Green Initiative," which seeks to increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, combat pollution, and preserve endangered wildlife.
Environmental and economic impact of royal reserves
Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve, represent a strategic national asset. The ban on indiscriminate grazing and vehicle access is not merely about collecting fines; it is a necessary preventative measure to allow the land to recover and for wild plants to grow and reproduce, thus contributing to the restoration of ecological balance and biodiversity in the region. Preserving these areas will contribute to the future development of ecotourism and enhance the quality of life for the local population.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
The Special Forces for Environmental Security concluded their statement by calling on all citizens and residents to recognize their national responsibility towards the environment and 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 statement emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter bears no responsibility whatsoever.
