King Salman Reserve grants a grace period for removing livestock from Arnan

A decisive step to protect the environment in the King Salman Reserve

As part of ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and restore ecological balance, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve a 10-day grace period, starting from the date of this announcement, for owners of stray livestock, including camels and other animals roaming the Arnan area. This measure aims to ensure that owners remove their livestock and collect them officially and systematically.

The authority explained that the receiving process requires a visit to the authority’s center called “Arnan Field” during the specified grace period, where temporary entry permits will be issued allowing owners to enter the specified area and withdraw their livestock in a safe manner that does not harm the environment.

General context: Saudi Vision 2030 and green initiatives

This step is perfectly aligned with the strategic directions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within Vision 2030, specifically the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative. The Royal Reserves were established by royal decree with the aim of reducing environmental pollution, combating desertification, and reintroducing wildlife. The King Salman Reserve is the largest in the Middle East and is characterized by a unique topographical and biological diversity that requires strict protection from harmful human practices such as overgrazing.

The danger of overgrazing to vegetation cover and ecological balance

The authority emphasized that the presence of stray livestock within highly sensitive environmental areas poses a serious threat to the ecosystem. Overgrazing leads to the depletion of vegetation cover, which is a fundamental pillar for several environmental factors, including:

• Purifying the air and reducing pollution levels.
• Lowering surface temperatures in the region.
• Creating natural windbreaks to reduce dust and sandstorms.
• Providing safe havens and habitats for the reproduction of wildlife and endangered animals.

Disrupting this cover negatively impacts the abundance of plant diversity and accelerates the pace of desertification, thus threatening the overall biological balance.

Deterrent systems and laws for environmental protection

To ensure the implementation of these decisions, the Authority affirmed that it will activate the regulations in cooperation with relevant official bodies immediately after the specified deadline. The Authority bases its procedures on a set of stringent laws, most notably the Agriculture Law andthe Animal Welfare Law of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

These regulations clearly prohibit leaving animals neglected or in places other than those designated for them. In case of violation, the competent authorities have the full right to impound and confiscate stray livestock. The violating owner also bears all financial costs incurred for transportation and care during the impoundment period. If the owners fail to respond or appear within the legally stipulated timeframe, the relevant authorities have the right to dispose of these livestock, either by sale at auction or donation, in accordance with the established legal procedures.

Expected impact of the decision (locally and regionally)

Locally, this decision will accelerate the recovery of vegetation in the Arnan region, enhancing quality of life and reducing dust storms. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's commitment to protecting its nature reserves reflects its leading role in combating climate change and supporting global efforts to preserve biodiversity, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in environmental sustainability.

A call for social responsibility

In closing, the King Salman Reserve Development Authority issued a clear appeal to all camel and livestock owners in the region to fully cooperate and take advantage of the current grace period to move their animals. The Authority emphasized the importance of recognizing national and social responsibility towards protecting and sustaining the environment for future generations, ensuring a healthy and prosperous environment for all.