Environmental security forces apprehend violators of grazing and hunting regulations in royal reserves
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the Kingdom’s natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced a series of successful field operations in the Riyadh region and a number of royal reserves, resulting in the apprehension of violators of the environmental system and its executive regulations, including violations of overgrazing, camping without a license, and hunting in prohibited areas.
Details of grazing and camping seizures
Field patrols apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing seven camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, and the authorities confirmed that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
In a related incident, the forces apprehended another citizen for camping without the required permit in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The Special Forces for Environmental Security explained that the regulations stipulate strict penalties for activities in forests and national parks, with fines for camping without a permit reaching 3,000 riyals, in order to ensure the preservation of vegetation and prevent unauthorized encroachment.
Hunting and wildlife violations
Regarding wildlife protection, the forces, while carrying out their duties in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve , apprehended a Gulf national who had begun hunting in areas where hunting is prohibited. The violator was found in possession of three falcons and four other wild animals that he had hunted.
The forces stressed that the executive regulations of the environmental system clearly criminalize these acts, noting that the penalty for hunting in prohibited places is (5,000) riyals, while the penalty for hunting without a license is (10,000) riyals, in order to deter violators and protect biodiversity.
National context and the importance of royal reserves
These seizures come at a time when Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 Saudi Green Initiative , which prioritize the protection of the natural environment. Royal reserves were established through strategic decisions to serve as safe havens for wildlife and plants, with the aim of restoring ecological balance and mitigating desertification and land degradation.
Adherence to the environmental regulations in these areas is a cornerstone of ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. Overgrazing is a major cause of soil erosion and the destruction of vegetation, while illegal hunting threatens natural food chains and puts rare species at risk of extinction. Therefore, the role of the Special Forces for Environmental Security extends beyond simply enforcing fines; it also includes protecting the national natural heritage and raising public awareness about the importance of the environment.
Reporting and communication channels
The Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens, residents, and visitors to adhere to environmental regulations and laws, 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 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
