Environmental security forces apprehend four violators in royal reserves, imposing severe penalties
The Special Forces for Environmental Security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the arrest of four citizens for committing violations of the environmental system, as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor protected areas and enforce environmental regulations to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
These intensive security operations come in the context of the great movement that the Kingdom is witnessing to preserve its natural resources, as the wise leadership pays great attention to protecting and developing the environment within the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Royal reserves were established by royal decrees with the aim of preserving biodiversity and reintroducing wildlife, which enhances ecotourism and protects vegetation from unfair practices such as logging, overgrazing and the entry of vehicles into undesignated areas.
In detail, the authorities apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and valleys within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . Legal procedures were initiated against him, with the authorities clarifying that the penalty for driving vehicles into protected natural meadows and valleys is a fine of up to 2,000 riyals, due to the damage caused by tires to the soil and newly formed vegetation.
In another incident reflecting the firm application of strict penalties, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended two citizens in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve . The two were involved in cutting fences and entering the reserve without a permit. The forces emphasized that cutting or damaging fences in protected areas is a serious offense punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 riyals, in addition to requiring the offender to repair the damage and pay the necessary compensation. Furthermore, there is a 5,000 riyal fine for entering the reserve without a permit.
The monitoring campaigns also resulted in the apprehension of a fourth citizen in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve for failing to comply with instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation. He was found to have started a fire in an undesignated area. The authorities emphasized that the penalty for starting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is 3,000 riyals, due to the risk of wildfires and the damage it causes to the natural landscape.
This security crackdown reflects the strategic importance of environmental protection, as adherence to regulations contributes to enhancing quality of life and combating desertification. The relevant authorities urge all citizens and residents to recognize their national responsibility towards the environment and to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
