Environmental security forces apprehend violators for transporting local firewood and starting fires
As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and preserve natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the implementation of new enforcement operations targeting violators of the environmental system in a number of royal reserves, within the framework of the Kingdom’s strict strategy to reduce unfair practices that harm the ecological balance.
Details of seizures related to the transport of local firewood
Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a Saudi citizen and two Pakistani residents for violating environmental regulations by transporting local firewood within the boundaries of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve . The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately two cubic meters of local firewood. The necessary legal procedures were taken against the violators, and the seized firewood was handed over to the relevant authorities.
In the context of raising awareness of the penalties, the forces renewed their warning that the penalty for transporting local firewood and charcoal is considered a serious violation, with a financial fine of (16,000) Saudi Riyals per cubic meter, in order to deter anyone who dares to harm the Kingdom’s tree wealth.
Lighting a fire in unauthorized places is a violation
In another incident reflecting the vigilance of security forces in protecting wildlife reserves, authorities apprehended a citizen who violated instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The violation consisted of lighting a fire in an unauthorized area, posing a threat to the natural environment and increasing the likelihood of wildfires.
The relevant authorities confirmed that the penalty for starting fires in forests or national parks outside the designated areas is a fine of (3,000) riyals, stressing the need to adhere to sound environmental practices while picnicking.
National context and the importance of preserving the environment
These seizures are in line with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which places great emphasis on combating desertification and developing vegetation cover. Illegal logging and the illegal transport of local firewood have been among the most significant challenges facing the desert environment in recent decades, prompting the enactment of strict legislation and the establishment of special environmental security forces to enforce regulations.
Royal reserves, such as the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve and the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve, play a pivotal role in restoring biodiversity and protecting endangered plant and animal species. Therefore, the strict enforcement of penalties directly contributes to the sustainability of these resources for future generations and enhances public awareness of the importance of the environment as part of the Kingdom's national identity and natural heritage.
Channels for reporting environmental violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by immediately reporting any instances of damage to vegetation or wildlife. 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.
