Violators of environmental regulations were apprehended in Riyadh and Mecca, and severe penalties were imposed
As part of ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the successful implementation of operations to apprehend a number of violators of the environmental system in the Riyadh and Makkah regions, as part of its intensive field campaigns to monitor compliance with environmental regulations and prevent encroachments on vegetation and soil.
Details of field operations in Mecca and Riyadh
Field patrols of the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a Saudi citizen and three residents of Yemeni and Pakistani nationalities in the Makkah region. The individuals were involved in violations related to the unlicensed exploitation of sedimentary rock. Four pieces of heavy equipment used in excavation and soil removal operations were seized, a clear violation of the executive regulations of the Environmental Law, which prohibit tampering with the natural environment.
In a related incident, forces in the Riyadh region, specifically within the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, apprehended a citizen violating environmental regulations. He was caught transporting a cubic meter of local firewood, an act criminalized by law due to its direct impact on the degradation of vegetation. The forces confirmed that legal procedures were applied to all violators, and the confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities.
The context of environmental protection and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These security operations reflect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection, a cornerstone of its Vision 2030. The leadership has prioritized the establishment of royal reserves and the creation of special environmental security forces to ensure the enforcement of regulations. These efforts aim to combat desertification, restore biodiversity, and preserve natural resources for future generations, aligning with the objectives of the “Green Saudi Arabia” initiative, which seeks to increase vegetation cover and reduce carbon emissions.
Environmental impact and deterrent penalties
Illegal logging and soil erosion are among the most serious practices threatening the Kingdom's ecological balance. Removing the topsoil or cutting down native trees exacerbates dust storms, destroys natural habitats for wildlife, and increases desertification. To curb these practices, regulations have imposed strict penalties. The Special Forces for Environmental Security clarified that the penalty for transporting local firewood and charcoal is 16,000 riyals per cubic meter, in order to deter violators and ensure compliance with regulations.
A call for social responsibility and reporting
The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the vital role of the community in protecting the environment, urging everyone to immediately report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that communication channels are open via the number (911) in the Makkah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the Kingdom, assuring that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality.
