Violations related to grazing and vehicle entry were recorded in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve
As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and preserve natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the detection of a number of environmental violations in the Royal Reserves, stressing their determination to firmly enforce regulations against anyone who violates the executive regulations of the Environmental System.
Field patrols apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by grazing 15 camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The violation was dealt with immediately, and the necessary legal procedures were applied to the citizen. In a related matter, the authorities clarified that the penalties for grazing violations in prohibited areas are strict, with a fine of 500 riyals per camel, in order to deter encroachments on protected areas.
In another incident reflecting the comprehensiveness of environmental monitoring, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen for driving his vehicle into the restricted wadis and meadows within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The forces indicated that the penalty for vehicles entering protected wadis and meadows is 2,000 riyals, due to the damage caused by vehicle tires to the soil and newly formed vegetation.
The importance of environmental protection and the goals of Vision 2030
These seizures come within the context of a broad national movement led by the Kingdom in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative, which aims to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and preserve biodiversity. Royal reserves play a pivotal role in restoring ecological balance, as preventing overgrazing and the indiscriminate entry of vehicles is one of the most important pillars for allowing wild plants to grow and reproduce naturally without disturbance or destruction.
Overgrazing is a major cause of land degradation and soil erosion, exacerbating dust storms and reducing air quality. Therefore, the imposition of fines is not primarily for revenue collection, but rather to raise public awareness of the importance of complying with environmental regulations to ensure resource sustainability for future generations.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the crucial role of citizens and residents in protecting the environment, urging everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They clarified that communication channels are open 24/7 to receive reports with complete confidentiality, via the number (911) in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the Kingdom.
