New crackdown on environmental violators in Saudi Arabia

The Special Forces for Environmental Security in Saudi Arabia has taken action in two separate incidents of environmental law infringement.

The forces apprehended a Saudi citizen for violating regulations by grazing 11 camels in prohibited areas within the Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve. The penalty for illegal camel grazing is a fine of SR500 ($133) per camel.

Another citizen, this time in the Asir region, was caught breaching environmental laws by starting a fire in an area with vegetation cover. Legal procedures have been initiated against the offender. The forces said that the penalty for lighting or using fire in areas with vegetation cover carries a fine of up to SR3,000 ($800).

The Saudi authorities have urged the public to report any activities that may constitute an attack on the environment or wildlife. Citizens and residents should call 911 in the regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 and 996 in other areas of the Kingdom to report such incidents.