Environmental security forces crack down on grazing and soil erosion violations in Riyadh and Medina
The Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, apprehending a number of violators of environmental regulations in the Riyadh and Madinah regions. These operations are part of ongoing campaigns to curb violations that threaten vegetation and wildlife, and are in accordance with the strict regulations established by the state to maintain ecological balance.
Details of enforcement of grazing and fire-starting violations
In the Riyadh region, field patrols of the forces successfully apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing 22 camels in prohibited areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were immediately applied to the violator upon his apprehension. In this context, the Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel, in order to deter violations that lead to the degradation of natural pastures.
In another incident within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve , authorities apprehended a citizen for violating regulations and guidelines regarding the preservation of vegetation by lighting a fire in an unauthorized area. The authorities emphasized that such practices pose a significant threat to the environment, noting that the penalty for lighting fires in unauthorized locations within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
Exploiting the deposits in Medina
The authorities extended their efforts to the Medina region, where a Pakistani resident was apprehended for violating environmental regulations by extracting sediment without a permit. The authorities stated that the equipment used in the excavation and removal of the soil was confiscated, and the necessary legal measures were taken against the violator. Excavation is a serious violation that alters the natural landscape and damages the topsoil.
National context: Vision 2030 and the protection of vegetation cover
These seizures are particularly significant within the framework of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which has given unprecedented attention to environmental protection through impactful initiatives such as the "Saudi Green Initiative." These efforts aim to increase vegetation cover, combat desertification, and preserve natural resources for future generations. The Special Forces for Environmental Security play a pivotal role as the executive arm for enforcing environmental regulations, contributing to enhanced environmental compliance and raising public awareness of the importance of nature conservation.
Environmental importance of royal reserves
Preserving royal reserves, such as the King Abdulaziz Reserve and the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve, is a cornerstone of restoring biodiversity in the Kingdom. Preventing overgrazing and regulating fires directly contribute to protecting endemic wild plants from extinction and provide safe havens for wildlife. Enforcing these fines is not an end in itself, but rather a means to ensure the sustainability of fragile ecosystems in desert areas and prevent environmental degradation that could take decades to repair.
Official reporting channels
In closing, the Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens and residents to cooperate and report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. They clarified 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, emphasizing that all reports will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
