A violation of environmental regulations was recorded in Riyadh for transporting local firewood
As part of ongoing field efforts to protect the Kingdom's natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in the Riyadh region for blatantly violating environmental regulations by transporting quantities of locally sourced firewood. This operation is part of a series of inspection campaigns aimed at curbing harmful practices that threaten vegetation cover and exacerbate desertification.
Details of the seizure of the firewood transport violation
The Special Forces for Environmental Security explained that a citizen was apprehended in possession of four cubic meters of local firewood, a violation of regulations prohibiting the logging, transport, and trade of local firewood. Legal procedures were immediately applied to the violator upon his arrest, and the seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities for disposal in accordance with established regulations. The forces emphasized that the penalty for transporting local firewood and charcoal is severe, with fines reaching 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in order to deter anyone who might consider tampering with the plant resources.
National context and protection of vegetation cover
These seizures are particularly important in light of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aim to protect the environment, increase green spaces, and combat desertification. Local firewood is a vital part of the desert ecosystem, and its cutting and uprooting lead to soil degradation and biodiversity loss. Therefore, through these penalties, the relevant authorities seek to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving perennial trees and wild plants, which form the first line of defense against dust storms and drought.
Violation of lighting a fire in the Tuwaiq Reserve
In a related development concerning efforts to protect nature reserves, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen for violating environmental regulations in the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve. The violation consisted of failing to comply with instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation cover, as the individual had started a fire in an unauthorized area. The forces emphasized that protecting parks and forests is a collective responsibility, noting that the penalty for starting fires in unauthorized areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
Reporting channels and social responsibility
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment and to immediately report any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. They explained that reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. They emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and without any liability on the part of the reporter, reinforcing the principle of community partnership in preserving the nation's environment.
