Environmental violators apprehended in the King Abdulaziz and Imam Muhammad reserves

As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security the arrest of a number of violators of the environmental system in two royal reserves, stressing its determination to firmly apply the executive regulations against anyone who violates environmental regulations.

Details of the arrest of violators in the King Abdulaziz Reserve

Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by driving his vehicle into the meadows and desert areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The necessary legal procedures were immediately taken against the violator upon his apprehension.

In this context, the forces clarified that regulations clearly prohibit vehicles from entering protected natural areas and meadows, in order to preserve the soil and vegetation from degradation caused by tire tracks. They indicated that the penalty for this violation is a fine of up to 2,000 Saudi Riyals.

Violation of overgrazing in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve

In a separate operation reflecting the comprehensiveness of environmental monitoring, authorities apprehended another citizen for grazing in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . The violation involved grazing twelve camels in areas where grazing is prohibited to restore natural vegetation cover.

The forces confirmed that the legal procedures were applied to the violator, noting that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited places is a fine of (500) riyals for each camel, which makes the total fine proportional to the number of camels seized.

The importance of adhering to environmental regulations in light of Vision 2030

These seizures come within the context of the significant environmental movement underway in the Kingdom, as part of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. The Royal Reserves aim to restore ecological balance, protect wild plants from extinction, and combat desertification, which is one of the region's greatest environmental challenges.

Preventing vehicles from entering floodplains is crucial, as uncontrolled driving destroys the natural seed bank in the soil and inhibits the growth of seasonal and perennial plants. Regulating grazing also contributes to the sustainability of natural rangelands and prevents their degradation due to overgrazing.

Channels for reporting violations

The Special Forces for Environmental Security renewed 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, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom, emphasizing that all reports will be treated with complete confidentiality.