Environmental security forces crack down on grazing and land clearing violations in Riyadh and Asir
The Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field efforts to apprehend violators of the environmental system in various regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, within the framework of their strategy aimed at protecting vegetation and wildlife, and ensuring compliance with the regulations and executive bylaws approved by the state to preserve natural resources.
Enforcement of grazing violations in the King Abdulaziz Reserve
In its latest operation in the Riyadh region, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by grazing livestock in prohibited areas. The arrest took place within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve , where the citizen was observed grazing 115 sheep in an area where grazing is prohibited to protect its biodiversity.
The forces confirmed that the legal procedures were applied to the violator, stressing that the penalty for grazing sheep in prohibited places is a fine of (200) riyals for each head, according to the executive regulations for grazing violations, which reflects the firmness in applying fines to deter violations that threaten the vegetation cover.
Soil erosion in the Asir region
In a related development, the forces commenced their operations in the Asir region, where they apprehended another citizen for violating environmental regulations by exploiting sedimentary deposits without a permit. The forces explained that the violation involved using heavy machinery to excavate and transport the soil, a clear infringement upon the land's natural environment and its components. The machinery used was confiscated, and the necessary legal procedures were initiated against the citizen.
The context of environmental protection and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These seizures come within the context of the significant environmental movement underway in Saudi Arabia, as part of the goals of Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. The leadership is giving considerable attention to establishing royal reserves and activating the role of the Special Forces for Environmental Security to curb desertification, overgrazing, logging, and soil erosion, which have depleted the local environment for decades.
This intensified security presence aims to restore ecological balance, protect the land from degradation, and promote the growth of natural vegetation, thereby contributing to improved quality of life and the preservation of resources for future generations. Royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve, are a cornerstone of this strategy for reintroducing wildlife and protecting wild plants from extinction.
Call to report violations
The Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their call to all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They explained that 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. They emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and that the reporter bears no responsibility whatsoever.
