Environmental violations and illegal hunting detected in Mecca and the Eastern Province
Saudi security authorities continue their intensive efforts to promote compliance with environmental regulations and protect natural resources through ongoing field campaigns targeting violators in various regions. In the latest security operations, specialized teams in the Makkah and Eastern regions apprehended a number of individuals violating hunting regulations and environmental laws.
Seizure of fishing violations in Al-Qunfudhah
As part of its duties to protect borders and territorial waters, the coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Qunfudhah Governorate, Makkah Region, apprehended five Egyptian residents. The arrests resulted from their violation of the safety and security regulations pertaining to maritime activities. They were found to be fishing without the necessary permits and were in possession of quantities of fish caught illegally. The relevant authorities have initiated legal proceedings against them, prior to referring them to the appropriate bodies for the application of the prescribed penalties.
The importance of maritime regulations and environmental protection
These seizures come as part of the Kingdom's commitment to protecting marine wildlife in the Red Sea, one of the world's richest marine environments in terms of biodiversity. Saudi authorities enforce strict fishing regulations to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and prevent overfishing that threatens the ecological balance. Obtaining licenses is a prerequisite for fishing practices that adhere to standards preserving fish stocks and preventing the depletion of natural resources, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 environmental goals.
Combating the sale of local firewood in the Eastern Province
In a related effort to protect vegetation, patrols from the General Directorate of Mujahideen in the Eastern Province apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations. He was found in possession of quantities of locally sourced firewood offered for sale for commercial purposes. The seized goods were handed over to the relevant authorities to complete the necessary legal procedures. This operation is part of the Ministry of Interior's ongoing monitoring of the marketing of locally sourced charcoal and firewood, whether within cities and governorates or along highways and online platforms.
Combating desertification and supporting the Saudi Green Initiative
Banning the sale of locally sourced firewood is an integral part of the national strategy to combat desertification and increase green spaces. The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in cooperation with security authorities, is emphasizing the prevention of illegal logging, which has previously led to the degradation of vegetation cover in many areas. These strict measures aim to support the "Saudi Green Initiative," which seeks to plant billions of trees and restore ecological balance. The initiative also encourages the use of imported alternatives to charcoal and firewood to reduce pressure on native, long-lived trees.
Reporting channels and social responsibility
Security authorities, represented by the Border Guard and the General Directorate of Mujahideen, urged all citizens and residents to adhere to environmental regulations and instructions. They also called on everyone to contribute to protecting the nation's resources by immediately reporting any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be made by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, or 999, 996, and 994 in the rest of the Kingdom. All reports are assured that they will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
