Environmental violations detected in the King Abdulaziz and Imam Turki reserves

As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a number of violators of the environmental system in various regions, including the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve and the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, in addition to the Eastern Province.

The authorities apprehended a citizen for camping without a permit within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve , and the necessary legal procedures were immediately applied. The authorities clarified that the executive regulations of the Environmental Law clearly stipulate that camping in forests or national parks without obtaining the required permits is punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals.

The context of protecting royal reserves and their importance

These seizures come within the framework of the Kingdom's strategic direction under Vision 2030, whereby royal reserves were established by royal decrees aimed at preserving biodiversity and reintroducing wildlife. The King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve are among the most important areas under strict protection to ensure the sustainability of their natural resources and prevent practices that previously led to desertification and the degradation of vegetation cover.

Violations of overgrazing and fire starting

In a related incident, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended another citizen in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve for violating environmental regulations by grazing 92 camels in prohibited areas. The forces confirmed that the penalty for this violation is calculated based on the number of camels seized, with a fine of 500 riyals per camel. This reflects the firm enforcement of regulations aimed at curbing overgrazing, which threatens the growth of wild plants.

The monitoring campaigns also extended to the Eastern Province , where a citizen was apprehended for violating regulations concerning the preservation of vegetation and for starting a fire in unauthorized areas. Authorities emphasized that the penalty for starting fires outside designated areas in forests and parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, given the significant risk these practices pose, which could lead to fires that damage the environment and property.

Call for reporting and community cooperation

These measures underscore the paramount importance the state places on protecting the environment as a national treasure for future generations. The Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. They emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.