Violators caught cutting down trees in Tabuk and fined 20,000 riyals
As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and preserve vegetation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Security and Protection Forces apprehended two citizens for violating environmental regulations by cutting down trees in the Tabuk region. Legal procedures were applied to the violators, and the seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities, reflecting the firm commitment to enforcing environmental regulations.
Deterrent penalties to protect nature
The Special Forces for Security and Protection affirmed that leniency towards environmental violations is no longer acceptable, emphasizing that the penalty for cutting down trees reaches a fine of (20,000) riyals per tree. These strict penalties are intended to deter anyone who might consider tampering with plant life and to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. This measure is part of a comprehensive legal framework aimed at curbing harmful practices that damage the desert and mountain environments in the Kingdom.
National context: Vision 2030 and the environment
This incident is not merely an isolated violation, but rather part of a broader national context related to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Arabia initiative. The wise leadership places great importance on environmental issues, as the Kingdom strives to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and reduce carbon emissions. Wild trees are considered the first line of defense against sandstorms and soil degradation, making their preservation a national duty and a shared societal responsibility.
The importance of vegetation cover in the Tabuk region
The Tabuk region is characterized by a unique biodiversity, encompassing coastal, mountainous, and desert areas. Deforestation in these regions poses a direct threat to the ecological balance, destroying natural habitats for wildlife and exacerbating drought. Therefore, security and environmental authorities are working together to intensify monitoring in wilderness areas and nature reserves to ensure the preservation of these natural resources.
Reporting channels and social responsibility
The Special Security and Protection Forces called on all citizens and residents to cooperate with security authorities by reporting any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that reports can be made via the following numbers:
- (911) In the regions of Mecca, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
- (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.
The relevant authorities confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any legal responsibility on the reporter, in order to encourage the community to participate effectively in protecting the environment.
