Environmental security forces uncover environmental violations in Riyadh and Mecca
The Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field efforts in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to apprehend violators of the Environmental System and the Executive Regulations for the Development of Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, within the framework of the National Strategy for the Preservation of Natural Resources and the achievement of the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative.
Seizing illegal logging in King Khalid Reserve
In a successful operation in the Riyadh region, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by possessing quantities of local firewood within the King Khalid Royal Reserve . The operation resulted in the seizure of two cubic meters of firewood. Legal procedures were applied to the violator, and the seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities.
In raising awareness of the penalties, the authorities reiterated their warnings that trading in, transporting, or storing local firewood and charcoal is a serious violation. The fine for transporting, selling, and storing these materials is 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, while the penalty doubles to 32,000 riyals per cubic meter for commercial use. These strict penalties aim to curb the phenomenon of illegal logging, which threatens ancient trees and exacerbates desertification in the Kingdom.
Random camping in the King Abdulaziz Reserve
As part of efforts to regulate ecotourism, field patrols identified another individual who violated the ban on camping without an official permit within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The authorities clarified that camping in forests, national parks, and reserves requires prior permits to ensure no harm is done to the natural environment, noting that the fine for camping without a permit can reach 3,000 riyals.
Soil erosion in Mecca
In another incident in the Makkah region, authorities apprehended two residents, one Indian and one Pakistani, who were exploiting sedimentary deposits and excavating soil using heavy equipment, which was subsequently confiscated. Excavating and transporting soil is considered one of the most serious environmental violations, leading to land degradation and altering its natural features, thus warranting the application of the strictest legal penalties.
The importance of adhering to environmental regulations
These seizures underscore the Kingdom's commitment to protecting its environmental resources, as preserving vegetation and soil is a fundamental pillar for improving quality of life. The relevant authorities urge everyone to report any violations against the environment or wildlife by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
