Environmental security forces apprehend violators in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Al-Jawf

Ongoing efforts to protect the Saudi environment

In line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's pursuit of the goals of Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative, the Special Forces for Environmental Security continue their rigorous efforts to apprehend violators of environmental regulations. Recent field campaigns have resulted in the arrest of several violators in the Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Al-Jawf regions, reflecting the commitment of the relevant authorities to firmly enforce the law to preserve vegetation and wildlife and combat all forms of pollution.

Details of the environmental violations detected

Lighting fires in undesignated areas

In the Al-Jawf region, field patrols apprehended a citizen for violating environmental regulations by starting a fire in an unauthorized area. Such practices are among the most significant threats to vegetation cover, increasing the likelihood of forest fires and the destruction of natural habitats. Authorities confirmed that the penalty for this violation in forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals, aiming to deter such irresponsible behavior that harms the ecological balance.

Overgrazing in royal reserves

In a related incident, authorities apprehended another citizen for illegal grazing. He was found grazing eleven camels within the geographical boundaries of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, an area where grazing is prohibited. Royal reserves play a strategic role in restoring biodiversity and combating desertification. The necessary legal procedures were applied to him, and it is important to remember that the fine for grazing camels in prohibited areas is 500 riyals per camel.

Soil pollution with concrete materials

In the Eastern Province, a Pakistani resident was arrested for environmental damage and soil pollution after dumping concrete materials on unauthorized land. Industrial and construction pollution poses a serious threat to soil and groundwater quality. The offender was referred to the relevant authorities, who warned that any activity that damages the soil or alters its natural properties could result in a fine of up to 10 million Saudi riyals.

Strategic dimensions of environmental security

The establishment of the Special Forces for Environmental Security is a historic step reflecting the Saudi leadership's awareness of the importance of sustainability. Domestically, these efforts contribute to improving quality of life and reducing pollution. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's rigorous enforcement of environmental regulations supports its efforts in the "Green Middle East Initiative" and underscores its commitment to international treaties to combat climate change and preserve the planet for future generations.

A call for community cooperation

The Special Forces for Environmental Security emphasized the importance of community involvement in protecting the environment, urging all citizens and residents to report any violations or attacks on the environment or wildlife. Reports can be submitted by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh, Eastern Province, and Madinah regions, or 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. Security authorities assure that all reports are treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect those who submit them.