Environmental violators in Riyadh were apprehended on charges of grazing and transporting firewood
Ongoing efforts to enforce environmental law in the capital
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the Kingdom's natural resources and vegetation, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the apprehension of several individuals violating environmental regulations in Riyadh in two separate incidents. These actions are part of intensified monitoring and inspection campaigns aimed at enforcing environmental regulations and deterring harmful practices that threaten ecological balance, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
These operations reflect the Kingdom's serious commitment to preserving its local environment, which faces challenges such as desertification and land degradation. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as the executive arm of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and were granted the necessary powers to monitor nature reserves, rangelands, and forests, and to address any violations that could harm them. Protecting vegetation cover is not limited to preserving aesthetics; it extends to its vital role in improving air quality, providing habitats for wildlife, and combating climate change.
Details of violations and deterrent penalties
The first violation involved a citizen caught grazing twelve camels in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, an area where grazing is prohibited to protect its rare and fragile plants. Authorities confirmed that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is 500 riyals per camel, a measure aimed at preventing overgrazing, which is a major cause of the degradation of natural pastures.
In a related incident, another citizen was apprehended in Riyadh for transporting a cubic meter of local firewood in his vehicle. This practice is a clear violation of the environmental regulations, which prohibit the cutting down of local trees and the trade in their firewood in order to preserve the Kingdom's tree resources. Authorities clarified that the penalty for transporting local firewood is 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in addition to the confiscation of the seized quantities and their handover to the relevant authorities. The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violators, and they were referred to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Social responsibility and the citizen's role in environmental protection
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasize the vital role of citizens and residents in protecting the environment, considering it a shared national responsibility. They urge everyone to immediately report any violations against the environment or wildlife. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, with a guarantee of complete confidentiality for the reporter. Community awareness and adherence to the law are the first line of defense in preserving our natural resources for future generations and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
