Ayatollah Khamenei planted tree saplings

Attaching significance to trees, plants and vegetation should turn into a public convention and culture

The following is the full text of the speech delivered on March 6, 2019 by Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, after planting two saplings on the occasion of Tree Planting Day.


In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Tree Planting Day is a sign of the emergence of spring and it also reminds us of the importance of vegetation in the country. The point is that due significance should be attached to the issue of trees, plants, vegetation, forests and grasslands in the public culture of the country. In the present time, we have suffered damage as a result of negligence towards forests, grasslands and because of lack of attention to vegetation throughout the country.

This act of planting trees – planting two productive saplings, and two fruit trees – is of symbolic significance. I would like the issue of planting, preserving and attaching significance to trees and other forms of vegetation to turn into a public convention and a public culture in the country.

We sometimes hear that some cause damage to certain tree-rich areas – they destroy trees - with the purpose of erecting buildings and the like. The organizations in charge should seriously confront this issue and prevent it from developing. It is also heard that some do not pay enough attention to the issue of planting harmful forms of vegetation in some areas of the country. Great significance should be attached to this issue. We have heard that certain saplings and trees which are unsuitable and harmful are planted in some areas of the country in order to prevent desertification. It is essential for the organizations in charge to do something to prevent this from happening. Also, they should seriously endeavor to preserve grasslands and forests. The organizations in charge – including supervisory organizations such as the judiciary branch – should do their best to prevent damage to forests.

I hope that by stimulating the people’s interest in trees and in the environment and by appreciating the value of it, the country and the people will reap more benefits from this area in the future, God willing. And Allah the Exalted will bless this move and the benefits of plants, greenery and the like will be many for the country, God willing.

Greetings be upon you and Allah’s mercy

 

Tags

  • Forests
  • Global Warming
  • Natural environment
  • Trees

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