A person was caught starting a fire in the Imam Faisal bin Turki Reserve and fined 3000 riyals
The Special Forces for Environmental Security in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced the arrest of a citizen for violating environmental regulations by failing to comply with instructions and guidelines related to preserving vegetation. The violation consisted of the citizen lighting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve . All necessary legal procedures were immediately taken against him upon his arrest.
Strict penalties to protect vegetation
In an effort to raise awareness and deter such behavior, the Special Forces for Environmental Security reiterated their warnings against practices that harm the environment, emphasizing that starting fires in undesignated areas, whether in forests, national parks, or nature reserves, carries a fine of up to 3,000 Saudi Riyals . This increased penalty aims to ensure the preservation of natural resources and prevent actions that could lead to fires or damage to plant life.
General context: Environmental security and Vision 2030
These intensive field efforts are part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 , which places great emphasis on environmental protection and sustainability. The Special Forces for Environmental Security were established as the executive arm of the Ministry of Interior to enforce environmental regulations and monitor compliance throughout the Kingdom. These initiatives aim to enhance quality of life, reduce pollution, combat desertification, and protect endangered wildlife, reflecting the Kingdom’s commitment to international climate and environmental agreements.
The importance of the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve
The incident is particularly significant because it occurred within the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve , one of the royal reserves established by royal decree to preserve biodiversity and the natural environment. This reserve spans three administrative regions (Makkah, Asir, and Jazan) and is characterized by its diverse terrain, encompassing mountains, plains, and coastlines. Maintaining the reserve's vegetation is crucial for restoring ecological balance, as wild plants stabilize the soil and provide shelter for wildlife. Any tampering with the reserve, such as indiscriminate fires, threatens years of cultivation and conservation efforts.
Call for reporting and community cooperation
The forces concluded their statement by calling on all citizens and residents to recognize their national responsibility towards the environment and to report any instances of environmental or wildlife abuse. They clarified that reporting channels are available by calling 911 in the Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and Eastern regions, and 999 and 996 in the rest of the Kingdom. They emphasized that all reports are treated with complete confidentiality and without any liability on the part of the reporter.
