Environmental violations detected in the Tuwaiq Reserve and royal reserves in Saudi Arabia
As part of ongoing field efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security were able to detect a number of environmental violations in different areas, including lighting fires in unauthorized places, transporting local firewood, overgrazing, and camping without a license.
Violations detected in Tuwaiq Reserve and Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve
The Special Forces for Environmental Security announced the arrest of a citizen for violating environmental regulations in the Tuwaiq Reserve . He was found to have disregarded instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation by starting a fire in an unauthorized area within the reserve. Legal procedures were immediately applied against him. The forces emphasized in their statement that starting fires in unauthorized areas within forests and national parks is a clear violation punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
In a related incident, authorities apprehended another citizen in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve for transporting four cubic meters of local firewood. This constitutes a violation of environmental regulations that prohibit logging and the transport of local firewood to preserve mature trees and vegetation. The confiscated quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. It is worth noting that the penalty for transporting local firewood and charcoal is 16,000 riyals per cubic meter.
The importance of preserving vegetation cover and combating desertification
These intensified security campaigns align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, which prioritize the protection and development of the natural environment. Royal reserves, such as the Tuwaiq Reserve and the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Reserve, are cornerstones of the strategy to preserve biodiversity and restore ecological balance. The strict regulations aim to curb harmful practices like logging and overgrazing, which contribute to desertification and threaten wildlife.
Violations of grazing and camping regulations in royal reserves
Continuing their monitoring efforts, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve for grazing 25 camels in prohibited areas. Legal procedures were applied to him. The forces clarified that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
Another citizen was apprehended in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve for violating environmental regulations by camping without the required permit. Authorities emphasized that unauthorized camping in forests or national parks is punishable by a fine of up to 3,000 riyals, ensuring that tourism and recreational activities are conducted in a manner that does not harm the surrounding environment.
Environmental Violations Reporting Mechanism
The Special Forces for Environmental Security called on all citizens and residents to cooperate in protecting the environment by reporting any incidents of environmental or wildlife abuse. 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 importance of social responsibility towards the nation's environment.
