Nine people were arrested in Tabuk for violating environmental regulations by selling local firewood
As part of ongoing field efforts to protect vegetation and combat negative phenomena affecting the natural environment, the Special Forces for Road Security in the Tabuk region were able to apprehend 9 citizens who violated the environmental system, after they were found in possession of quantities of local firewood offered for sale, which is a clear violation of the regulations and executive bylaws that prohibit logging and trading in it.
Security officials explained that the seized items were handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures against the violators. This operation is part of ongoing monitoring and surveillance campaigns conducted by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with environmental agencies to track the marketing of local charcoal and firewood, both within cities and governorates and on highways connecting the Kingdom's regions. These campaigns also target illegal advertisements circulating on online platforms for this prohibited activity.
Environmental context and the Kingdom's efforts to protect vegetation cover
These seizures come within the context of a major strategic shift in Saudi Arabia towards protecting the environment and enhancing its sustainability, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 and the Green Saudi Arabia initiative. The Kingdom has enacted strict laws, represented by the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations, to criminalize illegal logging, which has depleted natural resources for decades. These laws aim to halt land degradation, combat desertification, and rehabilitate natural vegetation cover, which plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.
The importance of native trees and the impact of logging
Native trees such as acacia, tamarisk, and ghaf are of paramount importance in the desert ecosystem, acting as natural windbreaks and sand barriers, contributing to climate moderation, and preserving biodiversity. Cutting these trees for firewood causes severe and irreparable environmental damage, as these trees require many years to grow in arid conditions. Therefore, enforcing legal penalties against violators is essential to deterring those who harm the environment and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
Call to report environmental violations
Public Security emphasized the importance of community involvement in environmental protection, urging citizens and residents to immediately report any violations against the environment or wildlife. These violations can be reported by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. Public Security stressed that protecting the nation and its natural resources is a shared responsibility between government agencies and members of society.
