Tabuk: A citizen was arrested for violating environmental regulations by hunting without a license and was fined

As part of the ongoing efforts of the security and environmental authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to protect wildlife and ensure compliance with the regulations, the coastal patrols of the Border Guard in Haql Governorate in the Tabuk region were able to apprehend a citizen who violated the environmental regulations, due to his violation of attempting to hunt without obtaining an official license.

The concerned authorities explained that the citizen was caught in possession of a shotgun, in addition to (48) live ammunition rounds. The necessary legal procedures were immediately taken against him and the seized items were handed over to the competent authorities to complete the necessary procedures.

Strict penalties to protect biodiversity

In a related context, the General Directorate of Border Guards emphasized the necessity of full compliance with the Environmental Law and its implementing regulations, which prohibit hunting wildlife without a license. The Directorate affirmed that the regulations stipulate deterrent penalties for violators to ensure environmental sustainability, explaining that these penalties include:

• A fine of (100,000) riyals will be imposed on anyone who uses shotguns for hunting, due to the significant harm they cause to wildlife.
• A fine of (10,000) riyals on anyone who practices hunting without a license.
• A fine of (5,000) riyals for hunting in places where hunting is prohibited.

The importance of adhering to the environmental system in light of Vision 2030

These seizures are a culmination of the Kingdom's tireless efforts to preserve its environmental resources. Saudi Arabia, represented by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and the Special Forces for Environmental Security, places great importance on protecting biodiversity. Conserving wildlife is a fundamental pillar of the "Green Saudi Arabia" initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to restore ecological balance, protect endangered species, and regulate hunting activities to ensure that natural ecosystems are not disrupted.

The Tabuk region, and Haql Governorate in particular, has special environmental and geographical importance, due to the diversity of its terrain between coasts and mountains, which makes it a habitat for many wildlife that requires protection from overhunting and unregulated hunting.

Call to report violations

The General Directorate of Border Guards urged all citizens and residents to recognize their national responsibility and promptly report any instances of environmental or wildlife violations. It clarified that communication channels are open 24/7 to receive reports 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.