A person was arrested in Medina for violating environmental regulations by starting a fire
As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and preserve natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen in the Madinah region for violating environmental regulations by lighting fires in places not designated for them, which is a clear violation of the regulations for developing vegetation and combating desertification.
Details of the arrest and prescribed penalties
The Special Forces for Environmental Security clarified that the necessary legal procedures were applied to the offending citizen, emphasizing the importance of adhering to instructions and guidelines that prevent environmental damage. In their statement, the forces stressed that the penalty for lighting fires in undesignated areas, whether in forests or national parks, is a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals. This reminder of the penalties serves to deter harmful practices that could lead to fires or damage to soil and native plants.
The context of environmental protection and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
This security operation is part of a comprehensive strategy adopted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within its Vision 2030, which places great importance on environmental protection and sustainability. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as a security arm aimed at enforcing environmental regulations and monitoring compliance with them across the Kingdom. These forces work in conjunction with relevant authorities to ensure that nature reserves, rangelands, and forests are not encroached upon, reflecting a qualitative shift in addressing environmental issues from mere recommendations to binding and stringent laws.
The importance of preserving vegetation cover
Preserving vegetation cover in the Madinah region and throughout the Kingdom is of paramount importance due to the arid and desert nature of the area. Negative practices such as excessive logging and indiscriminate burning lead to soil degradation, the destruction of natural seeds, and a threat to biodiversity. These native plants and trees contribute to moderating the climate, stabilizing the soil, and mitigating dust storms, making their protection a national duty and a shared societal responsibility to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Saudi Green Initiative and Regional Impact
This security focus aligns with the objectives of the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to increase vegetation cover and reduce carbon emissions. Enforcing fines and apprehending violators is not an end in itself, but rather a means to enhance environmental awareness within the community. The Kingdom's success in maintaining environmental security serves as a regional model for the Middle East, a region facing similar environmental challenges that necessitate firm law enforcement and ongoing public awareness campaigns.
Methods of reporting environmental violations
In closing, the Special Forces for Environmental Security urged all citizens and residents to contribute to environmental protection by immediately reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 or 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. The Forces emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and without any liability on the part of the reporter, reinforcing the principle of community partnership in preserving the nation's resources.
