Ayatollah Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, met Sunday morning with environmental protection officials. Speaking at the meeting, His Eminence stated that solving the problems related to the natural environment such as air pollution, the phenomenon of haze and violations against forests, grasslands and the natural environment requires planning, acumen, constant and serious follow up and the decisiveness of the organizations in charge, further reiterating: "Protecting the natural environment is an important governmental responsibility which should be carried out by preparing the national environmental plan for all construction and industrial projects and by prosecuting those who destroy the natural environment."
Referring to the viewpoint of Islam about the significance of preserving the earth and public wealth, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution said: "Islam and divine religions have always stressed the necessity of having a sense of responsibility towards the natural environment and keeping the balance between human beings and nature because the main factor in the existence of environmental problems is disturbing this balance."
Ayatollah Khamenei added: "The issue of the natural environment is not related to this and that government, person and orientation. Rather, it is a national issue and everyone should join hands in order to solve such problems."
Describing forests and grasslands as the lungs of cities and preservers of land, His Eminence expressed regret at the wrongdoings against forests and natural resources committed by some profiteers in the north of the country. He added: "Organizations in charge should confront wrongdoings against forests which are committed with different excuses such as building hotels, attracting tourists, building Islamic seminaries and other seemingly acceptable excuses."
He said that crimes related to land and - recently - putting up buildings in mountains are among other regrettable and painful issues, stressing: "Such measures should be considered to be crimes and abusers should be prosecuted without showing any consideration. If organizations neglect their duties, they should be seriously confronted as well."
The Leader of the Islamic Revolution mentioned that the role of the people in protecting the natural environment and the creation of a culture in society by the national media are very important, saying: "The necessary issues were discussed today and from now on, the people should judge which organizations are carrying out their responsibility towards protecting the environment and which organizations do not adopt the necessary measures."