Environmental violation detected in Imam Faisal bin Turki Reserve and its penalty

As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and maintain ecological balance in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen who violated the environmental regulations by lighting a fire in unauthorized locations within the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve .

The forces explained that the necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, emphasizing that these actions constitute a clear violation of the executive regulations for developing vegetation cover and combating desertification. This seizure comes as part of the intensive field campaigns conducted by the forces to monitor protected areas and national parks to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Penalty for starting a fire in unauthorized places

The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that the system does not tolerate practices that threaten vegetation, noting that starting fires in forests, national parks, or reserves outside designated areas carries a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals . These penalties aim to deter violators and raise awareness of the importance of preserving the natural environment from degradation.

The importance of royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative

This incident takes on particular significance within the broader national context of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, where the leadership is giving unprecedented attention to environmental protection. The Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve one of the strategic reserves aimed at preserving biodiversity and reintroducing wildlife.

Through the establishment of royal reserves and the launch of the "Saudi Green Initiative," the Kingdom seeks to increase vegetation cover, reduce carbon emissions, and combat desertification. Therefore, any encroachment, whether through overgrazing, logging, or indiscriminate fire-setting, hinders the achievement of these ambitious national goals aimed at improving the quality of life and protecting future generations.

Environmental risks of uncontrolled fire

Environmentally, lighting fires directly on the ground damages the soil and kills the microorganisms that contribute to its fertility. It also increases the risk of wildfires that can spread uncontrollably and consume vast areas of vegetation that took years to grow. Therefore, relevant authorities are keen to designate safe and well-equipped areas for barbecuing and picnicking to ensure both the safety of visitors and the protection of the environment.

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 environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that the official reporting channels are:

• The number (911) is used in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
• The number (999) and the number (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.

The forces confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any responsibility falling on the informant, in order to strengthen the principle of community partnership in preserving the national environmental wealth.