Environmental violations detected in Riyadh and Medina: Details and penalties
As part of ongoing field efforts to protect the environment and its natural resources 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 and Madinah regions, as part of its intensive monitoring campaigns to control unfair practices that threaten vegetation cover and natural resources.
Details of seizures in Medina and Riyadh
Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in the Madinah region for violating environmental regulations by exploiting sediment without a permit. The operation resulted in the seizure of two pieces of heavy equipment used for excavating and transporting the soil. Legal procedures were initiated against the violator, and he was referred to the relevant authorities.
In a related incident, authorities in the Riyadh region recorded two separate violations. The first involved starting a fire outside designated areas within the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve, where a citizen was apprehended for violating regulations protecting vegetation. Authorities confirmed that starting a fire in forests or national parks outside designated areas carries a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals.
The second violation in Riyadh involved the apprehension of a citizen who had illegally grazed five camels in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. Authorities clarified that the penalty for illegal grazing is 500 riyals per camel, and the necessary legal procedures were taken against the violator.
Strategic context: Environmental security and Vision 2030
These seizures are a direct reflection of the significant transformation underway in the Kingdom's environmental sector, in line with the goals of Vision 2030. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a specialized security agency to enforce environmental regulations, representing a qualitative shift from awareness campaigns to decisive action and law enforcement. These efforts aim to halt the environmental degradation that some areas have suffered for years due to illegal logging, unregulated grazing, and soil erosion.
The environmental and economic importance of control
These operations are of paramount importance, extending far beyond simply collecting fines; they aim to protect vegetation, which is the first line of defense against desertification and dust storms. Protecting royal reserves such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Tuwaiq Reserve contributes to restoring biodiversity and supports the Saudi Green Initiative, which seeks to plant billions of trees and reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, preventing soil erosion preserves the natural topography and prevents flash floods.
Reporting channels and social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to take responsibility and contribute to protecting the environment by reporting any instances of damage to vegetation or wildlife. They explained that reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Madinah, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. They emphasized that all reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality.
