Violators of environmental regulations in Riyadh and the Tuwaiq Reserve were apprehended and face deterrent penalties

As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and ensure the sustainability of environmental resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the implementation of new enforcement operations in the Riyadh region, targeting violators of environmental regulations, as part of its intensive field campaigns to monitor compliance with the environmental system and its executive regulations.

Violators caught transporting local firewood in Riyadh

The Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in the Riyadh region for a clear violation of environmental regulations, specifically the transport of four cubic meters of locally sourced firewood. Legal procedures were immediately implemented against the violator, and the seized firewood was handed over to the relevant authorities for disposal in accordance with applicable regulations.

These strict measures come within the framework of preserving vegetation and combating the phenomenon of illegal logging, which has led to the deterioration of the natural environment and the expansion of desertification over the past decades. The authorities explained that the penalties imposed on transporting, selling, or storing local firewood and charcoal are deterrent, with fines reaching 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, to ensure that local plant resources are not harmed.

Violation of lighting a fire in the Tuwaiq Reserve

In a related incident, field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security detected another violation within the Tuwaiq Nature Reserve. A citizen was apprehended for failing to comply with instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation. The violation consisted of lighting a fire in an undesignated area, a behavior that could lead to serious damage to the soil and wild plants, as well as the risk of wildfires.

The forces emphasized that protecting nature reserves and national parks is a top priority, noting that the penalty for lighting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals. These fines aim to raise environmental awareness within the community and encourage responsible behavior while outdoors.

The importance of adhering to environmental regulations

These monitoring efforts are of paramount importance within the framework of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which aim to protect and develop the environment. Preserving native trees and preventing logging is a fundamental pillar for restoring ecological balance, reducing carbon emissions, and improving quality of life. Adherence to regulations is not merely a legal obligation, but a national responsibility incumbent upon every individual to maintain a healthy environment for future generations.

Channels for reporting violations

The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment by immediately reporting any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that reports can be made via the following numbers:

• The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
• The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.

The security authorities confirmed that all reports are dealt with in complete confidentiality, and without any legal responsibility on the informant, in order to strengthen the principle of community partnership in protecting the homeland and its resources.