Environmental security forces in Riyadh apprehend violators of environmental regulations and impose deterrent penalties
As part of ongoing efforts to protect natural resources and ensure environmental sustainability in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Special Forces for Environmental Security the execution of a series of successful field operations in the Riyadh region, resulting in the apprehension of several individuals violating environmental regulations. These actions align with the National Strategy for the Preservation of Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification, a key pillar of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
Violations detected in royal reserves
In a field operation, patrols from the forces apprehended a citizen who had blatantly violated environmental regulations by driving his vehicle into protected meadows and desert areas within the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve . The relevant authorities immediately initiated legal proceedings against him. In this context, the forces reiterated that the executive regulations of the environmental law stipulate strict penalties, with fines reaching 2,000 riyals for vehicles entering protected meadows and desert areas, in order to prevent soil degradation and protect annual plants from being trampled.
Penalties for arson and overgrazing
In another incident reflecting the firm enforcement of regulations, authorities apprehended a citizen who violated instructions and guidelines for preserving vegetation by starting a fire in an unauthorized area within the Imam Faisal bin Turki Royal Reserve . The authorities explained that such practices pose a significant threat to the natural environment, emphasizing that the penalty for starting fires in unauthorized areas within forests and national parks is a fine of up to 3,000 riyals.
The campaigns also included addressing a violation of overgrazing regulations, resulting in the arrest of a citizen who had grazed eight camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve . Legal procedures were applied to him, and it should be noted that the penalty for grazing camels in prohibited areas is a fine of 500 riyals per camel.
The importance of adhering to environmental regulations
These regulations are of paramount importance in maintaining the Kingdom's ecological balance. Royal reserves were established solely to protect wildlife and reintroduce endangered animals and plants, as well as to promote sustainable ecotourism. Adhering to the prohibition of indiscriminate vehicle entry, regulating grazing, and preventing illegal logging and fire-making is a national duty that contributes to the flourishing of nature for future generations.
The Special Forces for Environmental Security concluded their statement by urging citizens and residents to report any cases that constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife, by calling the number (911) in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, and the numbers (999) and (996) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom, stressing that all reports are dealt with in complete confidentiality.
