tree planting

Trees and plants embellish living environments, restore climate: Ayatollah Khamenei

On the occasion of Iran's National Day for Tree Planting and National Week of Natural Resources, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution planted two fruit saplings this morning, March 6, 2018.



After planting the fruit saplings, Ayatollah Khamenei described the ceremony and the National Day of Tree Planting as an excellent tradition held throughout the country.

Highlighting the importance that plants, forests, and pastures have in restoring the climate, embellishing the living environments, and producing useful products for humans, he addressed Iranian officials by stating: "The officials must work to prevent damage to the trees in our cities.”

He further mentioned: “There are forests in Tehran that some people seek to exploit; but, such actions must be prevented, it [forests exploitation] would damage civil life and safety."

The Leader of the Islamic Revolution recommended that the officials of related departments, including the Ministries of Agriculture and Power, seriously consider watershed management regarding the planting of trees and creating green spaces. He added: “This policy—if implicated—might help avert dust particles causing air pollution and can prevent floods."

This is the second year that Ayatollah Khamenei chose to plant fruit trees on the Iranian national occasion. This year he planted a fig and an apricot sapling, whereas last year he had planted apple and cherry tree saplings.

In 2017, during the tree planting ceremony, the Leader of the Revolution stated: "Someone wrote to me once 'why won't you plant fruit trees?' So, this year we planted fruit trees, one apple, and one cherry tree."

Last year, he insisted on the importance of having fruit trees in the country, and that importing fruits from abroad can be detrimental for the country's agricultural environment, adding that: "Fruit trees have the advantage of nourishing our people with the delicious fruits native to our homeland. Our different varieties of fruits—there is a rich diversity—are different from fruits in other countries. As I have heard, they are more delicious, juicier, sweeter, and generally of better quality. Unfortunately, I have also heard that we are importing fruits: this is unacceptable (when available resources are in Iran) and (imports) must be limited to absolute necessities.

Ayatollah Khamenei has celebrated Arbor day since the time of his presidency and has often reiterated the motto: "One Tree for Each Iranian" in his statements.