Violations related to grazing and camping were detected in the Imam Turki and King Abdulaziz reserves

As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and ensure the sustainability of vital resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security were able to detect a number of violations of the environmental system in various regions, including overgrazing, camping without a license, and transporting local firewood, as part of their intensive field campaigns to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.

In detail, the authorities apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing 20 camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were applied to the violator, with the authorities confirming that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, underscoring the strict enforcement of regulations to ensure the recovery of vegetation.

In a related incident, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen for camping without the required permit within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . Authorities clarified that the penalty for camping in forests or national parks without a permit includes a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, and the necessary legal procedures were initiated against the violator.

These seizures come at a time when the Kingdom is paying close attention to its royal reserves, established by royal decree to preserve biodiversity and reintroduce wildlife. These reserves are a cornerstone of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, aiming to protect the natural environment from degradation, promote sustainable ecotourism, and combat desertification, which negatively impacts the climate and quality of life.

In another incident in the Riyadh region, patrols apprehended a Yemeni resident for violating environmental regulations by transporting two cubic meters of locally sourced firewood. The confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities, and the appropriate legal action was taken against him. The authorities emphasized that transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal is a serious offense, punishable by a fine of up to 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in order to curb the phenomenon of illegal logging, which depletes vegetation and harms the ecological balance.

These rigorous monitoring efforts reflect the state's commitment to environmental protection as a national duty, as the implementation of the system contributes to raising public awareness of the importance of preserving plant and animal life for future generations. The Special Forces for Environmental Security work in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure that no practices harmful to nature are tolerated.

Environmental violation reporting figures

The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. Reports can be made 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 will be treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter will bear no responsibility.