Strict penalties against those who violate the Kingdom's environmental regulations
The Saudi Arabian Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of citizens and residents for violating environmental regulations in multiple locations, including royal reserves and protected natural areas. This action is part of the ongoing efforts by relevant authorities to enforce regulations and protect wildlife and vegetation from overgrazing and illegal human encroachment that threatens the Kingdom's ecological balance.
In the first incident, authorities apprehended a citizen who violated regulations by grazing 50 camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve. The authorities stated that the necessary legal procedures were applied to him, emphasizing that the penalty for grazing camels in protected areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
In a related context, another citizen was arrested for entering the meadows and desert gardens belonging to the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve with his vehicle, a violation that carries a financial penalty of (2,000) riyals due to the damage caused by vehicles to the soil and emerging vegetation cover and the distortion of the natural appearance of the desert parks.
In the Asir region, environmental security patrols succeeded in arresting a Pakistani resident for exploiting sediments and excavating soil using heavy equipment, which was seized. He was referred to the relevant authorities to complete the legal procedures against him and apply the penalties stipulated by law.
The Kingdom's vision for protecting nature and reducing violations of the environmental system
The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a strategic step within Saudi Vision 2030, with the aim of monitoring and controlling environmental violations and strictly enforcing regulations. Historically, the desert environment of the Arabian Peninsula has suffered from the challenges of desertification, overgrazing, and the degradation of vegetation cover due to unregulated practices. With the launch of the “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative, the wise leadership has placed environmental protection and the expansion of nature reserves as a top priority to restore biodiversity and ensure the sustainability of resources for future generations.
Environmental and developmental impact of royal reserves
Royal reserves such as the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve and the King Abdulaziz Reserve are of paramount importance at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, these reserves contribute to improving the quality of life, mitigating sandstorms, and promoting sustainable ecotourism. Regionally and internationally, these efforts enhance the Kingdom's position as an active partner in combating climate change and its commitment to international treaties on biodiversity and the protection of endangered species. Adherence to regulations ensures the preservation of these natural environments as a rich national heritage.
How to report environmental violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called upon all citizens and residents to cooperate and contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of harm to wildlife or vegetation. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and by calling 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and bear no responsibility for the information received.
