Grazing and logging violations detected in the Imam Abdulaziz Reserve and Riyadh

As part of ongoing efforts to protect vegetation and wildlife in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security continued their intensive field campaigns to apprehend violators of the environmental system in a number of regions of the Kingdom, resulting in the apprehension of a number of citizens for committing violations ranging from overgrazing, transporting local firewood, and lighting fires in unauthorized places.

Details of the enforcement of grazing regulations in royal reserves

The Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen who violated environmental regulations by grazing 36 camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . Legal procedures were immediately applied to the violator upon his arrest.

In this context, the forces explained that the penalties imposed on grazing violations are strict, with a fine of (500) riyals for each camel, in order to deter violations that harm the ecological balance within the nature reserves.

The importance of royal reserves in Vision 2030

These seizures come at a time when the Kingdom is paying close attention to its royal reserves as part of the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. These reserves, such as the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Reserve, aim to reintroduce wildlife, protect native plants from extinction, and combat desertification. Overgrazing is one of the biggest threats hindering the growth and regeneration of natural vegetation in these protected areas.

Controlling violations related to logging and fire starting

In a related incident, authorities in the Riyadh region apprehended another citizen for transporting five cubic meters of locally sourced firewood, a clear violation of environmental regulations that prohibit the sale or transport of such firewood to preserve mature trees and vegetation. The seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities, and it was emphasized that the penalty for transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal is 16,000 riyals per cubic meter.

The campaigns also included the Medina region, where a citizen was apprehended for violating environmental regulations and lighting fires in undesignated areas, thus endangering vegetation and causing damage. Authorities noted that the fine for lighting fires in undesignated areas within forests and national parks is 3,000 riyals.

Call for reporting and community engagement

The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the crucial role of citizens and residents in preserving the environment, urging everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse. Reports can be made via the following numbers:

• The number (911) is used in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
• The numbers (999) and (996) are used in the rest of the Kingdom's regions.

The relevant authorities confirmed that all reports are handled with complete confidentiality, without any liability on the part of the reporter, in order to reinforce the principle of shared responsibility in protecting the nation’s environment.