Environmental security forces apprehend violators of soil erosion and fires in Hail and Asir
As part of its ongoing efforts to preserve the Saudi environment and protect its natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the detection of two separate violations of environmental regulations in the Hail and Asir regions. These actions underscore the firm enforcement of environmental laws in the Kingdom and deter anyone who might consider harming vegetation or depleting natural resources through illegal means.
General context: Environmental protection within Vision 2030
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia places paramount importance on environmental protection as an integral part of its Vision 2030 and its ambitious initiatives such as “Green Saudi Arabia” and “Green Middle East.” The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established in 2019 as the executive arm of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, responsible for field monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations, ranging from poaching and illegal logging to pollution and soil erosion. These forces work to enforce regulations and laws aimed at achieving environmental sustainability, combating desertification, and preserving the Kingdom’s unique biodiversity.
Details of violations in Hail and Asir
In the Hail region, environmental security patrols apprehended an Indian resident involved in the illegal extraction and dredging of sedimentary rock without the necessary permits. Two pieces of equipment used in this illicit activity were also seized. Dredging is a highly damaging practice, leading to the degradation of agricultural land, increasing the risk of desertification, and destroying natural habitats for wildlife. Meanwhile, in the Asir region, a citizen was apprehended for starting a fire in an unauthorized area, a direct violation of regulations protecting vegetation. The Asir region is renowned for its forests and national parks, which are considered a natural treasure, and the indiscriminate lighting of fires threatens to ignite widespread wildfires that could destroy vast areas of rare trees and plants.
Importance and expected impact
These security operations are not merely punitive measures; they send a clear message that environmental protection is a national responsibility that brooks no compromise. Locally, these efforts contribute to the preservation of sensitive ecosystems in regions such as Hail and Asir, enhancing quality of life and supporting ecotourism. Nationally, these measures align with the Kingdom's goals of reducing carbon emissions and increasing vegetation cover. The Kingdom's success in protecting its environment reinforces its position as a regional leader in environmental and climate action.
The Special Forces for Environmental Security confirmed that the penalty for starting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals, while violations related to soil erosion are subject to harsher penalties. The forces urged citizens and residents to immediately report any violations against the environment or wildlife by calling the designated numbers: 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.
