Environmental security continues its efforts to address environmental violations in Riyadh and Hail
As part of its ongoing efforts to enforce regulations and protect the Kingdom's natural resources, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of several individuals for violating environmental regulations in the Riyadh and Hail regions. These operations underscore the pivotal role of the Environmental Security in preserving vegetation and nature reserves, in line with national objectives for achieving environmental sustainability and the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
Details of the violations detected and the resulting penalties
In the Hail region, environmental security forces apprehended a citizen for starting a fire in an unauthorized area, a clear violation of regulations protecting vegetation. The forces explained that this harmful practice endangers natural resources and contributes to land degradation. According to regulations, the penalty for starting a fire in unauthorized areas within national parks and forests is a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals.
In a related incident, forces in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in the Riyadh region apprehended another citizen for grazing 20 camels in prohibited areas. Royal reserves are considered highly sensitive environmental zones, and the grazing ban aims to allow natural vegetation to recover and flourish. The forces confirmed that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel. The necessary legal procedures have been initiated against the violators, and they will be referred to the appropriate authorities.
The role of environmental security in achieving the goals of Vision 2030
The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a key security sector to achieve comprehensive environmental protection in the Kingdom. Their duties extend beyond simply enforcing regulations; they include monitoring protected areas, combating poaching and illegal logging, protecting wildlife, and monitoring pollution levels. These efforts are directly aligned with major national initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which aim to rehabilitate degraded lands and plant billions of trees to combat desertification and climate change.
Firmly enforcing the law against violators sends a clear message that environmental degradation is no longer acceptable and that preserving natural resources is a shared national responsibility. These measures also enhance the Kingdom's regional and international standing as a leader in environmental action and sustainability.
A call for social responsibility
In closing, the Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens and residents to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They can contact the authorities via the number 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, or via 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and that community awareness and cooperation are the first line of defense for the environment of our beloved nation.
