Environmental security forces crack down on grazing and land clearing violations in Riyadh and Asir
The Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field efforts to protect the natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where they were able to seize a number of serious environmental violations in the Riyadh and Asir regions, as part of their ongoing efforts to implement the executive regulations of the environmental system.
Details of enforcement of grazing regulations in royal reserves
In a successful operation in the Riyadh region, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing livestock in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The forces explained that the violation involved grazing 115 sheep in locations where grazing is prohibited to protect the vegetation.
The legal procedures were applied to the violator, as the forces confirmed that the penalty for grazing sheep in prohibited places is a fine of (200) riyals per head, which reflects the firmness in applying the regulations to deter violations that threaten the environmental balance.
Combating soil erosion in the Asir region
In a related development, environmental security efforts extended to the Asir region, where another citizen was apprehended for violating environmental regulations by exploiting sediment without a permit. Authorities indicated that the equipment used in the dredging and transport of the soil was seized, and the necessary legal measures were taken against the violator.
National context: Environmental protection and Vision 2030
These seizures are part of a comprehensive national effort to protect the environment and promote its sustainability, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. The relevant authorities are working to curb overgrazing, which is a major cause of desertification and the degradation of natural vegetation in the Kingdom.
Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve, are of great strategic importance as they are natural havens aimed at restoring wildlife and protecting wild plants from extinction, making encroachment on them by grazing or hunting an offense that warrants strict punishment.
The importance of adhering to environmental regulations
Unregulated soil dredging and sediment exploitation, as occurred in the Asir incident, are practices that damage the topsoil, leading to soil erosion and the destruction of natural habitats. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, represented by the Special Forces for Environmental Security, emphasizes the necessity of obtaining the required permits for any activities related to natural resources.
Channels for reporting violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security renewed their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They clarified that reports can be made via the following numbers:
- (911): In the regions of Mecca, Medina, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- (999) and (996) : in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
The forces confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any liability on the part of the reporter, in order to reinforce the principle of social responsibility in preserving the homeland’s environment.
