RIYADH — The Public Prosecution warned that those, who tamper with the marine environment and water bodies, will be penalized with imprisonment and hefty fines. According to the new Environment Law, the penalties for the violators include maximum jail term of 10 years and fines up to SR30 million. There are specific provisions in the law aimed at protecting marine areas and water bodies, as well as to preserve oceans, seas and geographical components through which water moves. The law reinforces the keenness and efforts of Saudi Arabia in protecting the marine environment from any transgression or violations. The regulations stipulate that environmental crimes that harm water bodies, such as pollution resulting from chemicals or waste, may result in imposing financial fines ranging from SR1 million to SR30 million, depending on the severity of the crime and its impact on the marine environment. The penalties will be imposed on the erring individuals and companies alike, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to everyone's responsibility in protecting the environment. Walid Alnajem, founder of the Weather and Climate Society and the Environment and Combating Desertification Association, considers this move to be a milestone in the Kingdom's journey towards enhancing environmental awareness. "Protecting the marine environment is not just a national duty, but a global responsibility that requires concerted efforts from all segments of society. Effective strategies are needed to preserve the environment, and applying strict penalties is an important step to ensure that past violations are not repeated," he said. Salman Al-Ramali, a lawyer, points out that the new law is a strong deterrent to anyone, who dares to harm the marine environment, and the penalties imposed reflect the Kingdom's seriousness in confronting environmental challenges. There are severe consequences for those who commit environmental crimes. The existence of a strict legal system will help raise awareness among citizens about the importance of preserving the environment and the need to adhere to environmental laws. These measures come at a time when concerns about environmental degradation and climate change are increasing, which affect marine life. The penalties stipulated in the law represent a step towards protecting natural resources and ensuring their sustainability for future generations, it was pointed out.
