Environmental Law - Royal Decree No. M/165 July 10, 2020
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Abstract
The Saudi Environmental Law (Royal Decree No. M/165, July 2020) establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of the environment in Saudi Arabia. It regulates environmental activities and ensures the responsible use of natural resources, including air, water, vegetation cover, and biodiversity. The law mandates environmental permits and licenses for activities impacting the environment and sets standards for pollution control, resource exploitation, and environmental impact assessments. It also includes provisions for the protection of wildlife and marine environments, as well as for managing environmental disasters. To enforce compliance, the law outlines penalties for violations and emphasizes the role of strategic environmental planning in national development. This legal framework supports the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental sustainability and international environmental agreements.
Description
The document is issued under Royal Decree No. M/165 on July 10, 2020. It establishes a legal framework for the protection, management, and sustainability of the environment in Saudi Arabia. The law outlines various definitions and terms related to environmental activities, resources, and impacts, setting the groundwork for regulations governing natural resources, biodiversity, water bodies, air quality, and waste management. It also emphasizes the importance of adhering to international environmental principles and national regulations to maintain environmental integrity.
The law is divided into several chapters that cover key areas such as the protection of vegetation cover, marine and coastal environments, wildlife, and protected areas. It strictly regulates activities that may impact these natural resources, requiring permits and licenses for activities such as deforestation, hunting, land development, and emissions of pollutants. The law includes provisions for environmental assessments and audits to ensure that developmental activities comply with environmental standards. Moreover, it mandates strategic environmental planning to integrate sustainability into national development strategies.