The Latest in the Saudi Environmental Regulation 2020

Abstract

This study sheds light on the new Saudi Environmental Regulation introduced in 2020, which includes rules and provisions for various environmental aspects, such as marine, coastal, vegetation, wildlife, and natural reserves. The study then examined the application of environmental principles and the roles of the Environmental Security Forces and the National Centre for Environmental Compliance as regulatory and oversight authorities in addressing environmental violations. It shifts further to discuss the mechanism for imposing penalties. This study followed a descriptive and analytical approach, which involves describing and analyzing the regulatory texts established in the regulation.

Updating regulatory texts and ensuring their implementation are two essential conditions for achieving the desired effectiveness of the regulation. This requires the availability of the necessary means for execution and enforcement. Therefore, the study recommends the establishment of additional branches for the National Centre for Environmental Compliance and Monitoring and other specialized environmental centres in various kingdom regions. These centres should be equipped with human resources, modern devices, and equipment. They should use the experiences of the European Union and international environmental organizations actively involved in this field.

In addition, the study recommends including an explicit provision in the regulation under the title "Civil Liability for Environmental Damage" based on an objective theory that aligns with the nature of environmental harm.