Environmental violations detected in the King Abdulaziz and Imam Abdulaziz reserves

As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and preserve biodiversity 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 two royal reserves, stressing its determination to firmly apply the executive regulations against anyone who violates environmental regulations.

Details of apprehending violators in royal reserves

Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen who violated regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and desert areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were immediately initiated against him. In a statement, the forces clarified that regulations clearly prohibit vehicles from entering protected meadows and desert areas, noting that the penalty for this violation is a fine of 2,000 riyals, due to the damage such practices cause to the soil and vegetation.

In a related incident, authorities detected another violation in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve , where a citizen was apprehended for illegally grazing 12 camels in prohibited areas. The authorities confirmed that legal procedures were being applied to the violator, noting that the penalty for grazing camels in restricted areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, reflecting the strict measures being taken to combat desertification.

The importance of adhering to environmental regulations and the goals of Vision 2030

These seizures are part of a comprehensive national strategy aimed at protecting the environment and promoting its sustainability, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. Royal reserves play a pivotal role in restoring ecological balance, contributing to the protection of wild plants from extinction and providing safe havens for wildlife, thus enhancing ecotourism and quality of life.

Driving vehicles into meadows and valleys is one of the most dangerous practices threatening the natural environment. Crushing plants and damaging the soil prevents grass growth and destroys dormant seeds, accelerating desertification and depleting the land of its natural fertility. Therefore, the relevant authorities have enacted strict legislation to deter these violations and ensure the recovery of vegetation cover.

Channels for reporting environmental violations

The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to adhere to the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations, and to contribute to the protection of natural resources by reporting any violations against the environment or wildlife. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.