A violation of overgrazing regulations was recorded in the Imam Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen for violating environmental regulations by grazing camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve. The forces stated that (15) camels were seized from the violator, and legal procedures were applied against him.
Ongoing efforts to protect royal reserves
This measure comes within the context of the intensive efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect and develop its natural environment, which is an essential part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Royal Reserves, established by royal decrees, represent a key pillar in this strategy, as they aim to preserve biodiversity, reintroduce endangered wildlife, develop natural vegetation cover, and combat desertification.
The importance of the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve
The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve, located northeast of Riyadh, is one of the most important environmental sites in the region. The reserve is renowned for its diverse topography, encompassing meadows and wadis rich in seasonal plants and native trees, making it a natural habitat for numerous bird and animal species. Protecting these fragile ecosystems from unregulated human activities, such as overgrazing and vehicle encroachment, is crucial to ensuring their sustainability for future generations.
Risks of overgrazing and regulatory penalties
Overgrazing poses a direct threat to vegetation cover, leading to soil degradation, increased desertification, and the destruction of natural pastures upon which wildlife depends. Therefore, environmental regulations in the Kingdom strictly prohibit grazing in protected areas. The Special Forces for Environmental Security have confirmed that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
In a related incident, authorities apprehended another individual for driving his vehicle into the meadows and gardens within the reserve, causing significant damage to the soil and vegetation. The authorities clarified that the penalty for this offense is 2,000 riyals, reflecting their commitment to deterring all practices that harm the environment.
A call for social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens and residents to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring everyone's cooperation.
