Environmental violators apprehended in Riyadh and Mecca as part of Vision 2030 efforts

Intensive efforts to enforce the environmental system in the Kingdom

As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to preserve its natural resources and rigorously enforce environmental regulations, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the apprehension of several individuals violating environmental laws in the Riyadh and Makkah regions. These operations are part of a series of monitoring measures aimed at protecting vegetation and combating environmentally harmful practices, in line with comprehensive national objectives.

Details of violations in Mecca and Riyadh

In the Makkah region, authorities apprehended a Saudi citizen and three residents of Yemeni and Pakistani nationalities for their involvement in illegal sediment extraction and soil dredging without the necessary permits. Four pieces of heavy equipment used in these illicit operations were confiscated, and the violators were processed and referred to the appropriate authorities.

In a related incident, authorities in the Riyadh region arrested another citizen within the boundaries of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve for transporting one cubic meter of locally sourced firewood. The confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant department at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. Authorities confirmed that the penalty for transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal can reach a fine of 16,000 Saudi Riyals per cubic meter, reflecting the state's seriousness in combating illegal logging.

National context: Environmental protection as one of the pillars of Vision 2030

These security operations fall within the broader framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources at the heart of its objectives. With the launch of ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East,” the Kingdom has intensified its legislative and executive efforts to protect its unique environment. The establishment of the Special Forces for Environmental Security in 2019 is a pivotal step in this direction, as it has been entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing environmental laws, monitoring nature reserves, and addressing all forms of encroachment on wildlife and vegetation.

The importance and expected impact of these efforts

Locally, these measures directly contribute to mitigating desertification, preserving biodiversity, and preventing land degradation resulting from practices such as soil erosion and unregulated logging. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's commitment to protecting its environment strengthens its position as a key player in addressing global environmental challenges and underscores its seriousness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and international climate agreements. Protecting every tree and every meter of land is an investment in the future of generations to come and the quality of life in the Kingdom. Environmental security authorities have urged citizens and residents to immediately report any environmental violations by calling the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.