Special forces for environmental security apprehend violators in Riyadh and Medina

Ongoing efforts to protect the Saudi environment

As part of ongoing national efforts to protect natural resources and achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the Special Forces for Environmental Security continue their proactive and decisive strikes against anyone who dares to tamper with vegetation and wildlife. These actions coincide with the "Saudi Green Initiative," which aims to combat desertification, reduce carbon emissions, and plant billions of trees, making the preservation of the existing environment a paramount necessity and a matter of national security that cannot be compromised.

Enforcement of local logging violations in Medina

In recent field operations, the Special Forces for Environmental Security apprehended a citizen in violation of environmental regulations after he was caught transporting eight cubic meters of locally sourced firewood in the Madinah region. The necessary legal procedures were applied, and the seized quantities were handed over to the relevant authorities. It is worth noting that the penalty for transporting locally sourced firewood and charcoal is a deterrent, with fines reaching 16,000 Saudi Riyals per cubic meter. This measure aims to curb the phenomenon of illegal logging, which is the primary cause of land degradation and desertification in the Arabian Peninsula.

Random camping in royal reserves

In a separate development, and as part of efforts to protect nature reserves, which serve as safe havens for wildlife to reproduce, authorities apprehended another citizen for camping without the necessary permits in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve. The relevant authorities clarified that camping in forests, national parks, and reserves without prior authorization carries a fine of up to 3,000 riyals. These measures aim to regulate ecotourism and prevent violations that could harm the delicate ecological balance in these protected areas.

Risks of starting fires in vegetation

In a related incident, inspection tours resulted in the apprehension of an Indian resident in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve for violating regulations and guidelines for preserving vegetation. He was found to have started a fire in an unauthorized area. Authorities warned that such irresponsible practices could lead to catastrophic fires that would destroy vast areas of vegetation and kill wildlife. They emphasized that the fine for starting a fire in an unauthorized area is 3,000 riyals.

The strategic importance of environmental security

The implementation of these stringent regulations has implications that extend beyond the local level. At the regional and international levels, the Kingdom reaffirms its commitment to international environmental treaties and combating climate change. Domestically, these measures ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations, improve air quality and overall well-being, and support the national economy by promoting the concept of sustainable ecotourism, which relies on a clean and healthy environment free from pollution and human encroachment.

A call for active community participation

Believing in the vital role of citizens and residents in protecting the environment as partners in development, the Special Forces for Environmental Security urge everyone to report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. Reports can be submitted confidentially and without any legal repercussions by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern Province regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom.