Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) has reiterated the prohibition against producing charcoal and firewood from wood and tree waste resulting from pruning and maintenance activities.

Selling, transporting, or storing such materials without a license can result in a fine of up to SR8,000 under the executive regulations of the Environmental Law's provisions on illegal logging.

The NCVC plays a crucial role in combating illegal logging through inspection teams that monitor vegetation cover sites in forests, pastures, and national parks. These teams apprehend violators of the Environmental Law and its regulations on illegal logging, effectively drying up local firewood markets by imposing fines.

The NCVC is dedicated to developing, protecting, monitoring, and rehabilitating vegetation cover sites throughout the Kingdom, detecting encroachments, and combating illegal logging. It also oversees and invests in pasture lands, forests, and national parks, contributing to sustainable development and achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative.