Three people were arrested for violating environmental regulations in Saudi Arabia; here are the penalties
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security their intensive field campaigns to apprehend violators of environmental regulations, resulting in the arrest of three citizens in different regions for committing various violations that threaten vegetation and wildlife.
Details of seizures in Hail, King Abdulaziz Reserve and Medina
The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen in the Hail region for violating regulations and guidelines regarding the preservation of vegetation. He was caught starting a fire in an unauthorized area. Legal procedures were applied to him, and it is important to remember that the fine for starting a fire in unauthorized areas within forests and national parks can reach 3,000 riyals .
In a related incident, authorities apprehended another citizen within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve for violating environmental regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and natural areas, a practice that damages the soil and vegetation. The authorities clarified that the penalty for this offense is a fine of up to 2,000 riyals .
The Special Security and Protection Forces in the Madinah region also spotted a citizen in possession of quantities of local firewood, which is a clear violation of the environmental system that prohibits logging and selling local firewood. The seized items were handed over to the competent authorities.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and environmental protection
These seizures are part of a comprehensive national strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within its Vision 2030 , which places great importance on environmental protection and sustainability. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as the executive arm to ensure the strict enforcement of environmental regulations and laws, with the aim of curbing the violations that have plagued the desert environment for decades.
The Kingdom is working through major initiatives, such as the “Saudi Green Initiative”, to increase vegetation cover and combat desertification. Therefore, preventing illegal logging and protecting meadows from being run over by vehicles is a fundamental pillar for the success of these initiatives, as preserving local trees and shrubs contributes to the balance of the ecosystem and reducing carbon emissions.
The importance of royal reserves and community awareness
Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve, represent a national treasure aimed at restoring wildlife and protecting rare plants. Adhering to regulations within these reserves is a national duty that contributes to promoting ecotourism and enhancing the quality of life.
The Ministry of Interior is constantly emphasizing the monitoring of local charcoal and firewood marketing activities, whether within cities or through electronic platforms, to ensure the elimination of the black market that encourages deforestation.
Violations reporting mechanism
The Special Security and Protection Forces reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of damage to vegetation or wildlife. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
