Saudi authorities announced the imposition of up to SR2,000 fines on unlicensed camping in line with the regulations of developing vegetation and combating desertification in the kingdom.
According to the Vegetation Development Centre‘s Licensing and Permits Department, the people who violate the regulations for the first time shall pay SR500. Moreover, the fine increases to SR2,000 if they repeat the violation for the third time.
The Department’s Director, Daghim Al Numsi, stated that the authorities issue arrest reports for violators who do not have a camping license.
Crucially, if the violators caused any environmental damage in the camping site, they would pay the necessary compensation.
The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture has recently approved an amendment to the rules on penalties for violations of the kingdom’s environmental regulations. This includes up to SR5 million fines and deportation for non-Saudi offenders.
To ensure the full commitment to the new measure, a specialized court shall hear cases on environmental violations such as dumping or discharging wastewater or untreated liquid components into underground wells.
Furthermore, it will punish those who will be caught red-handed killing or hunting endangered creatures, according to Saudi news portal Akhbaar24.
As for non-Saudis who commit such violations, the authorities shall refer them to local authorities to consider their deportation to their home countries.
These measures are an integral part of Saudi Arabia’s continuous efforts to protect the environment and combat climate change.
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