‘Every
Iranian should plant three saplings’, Leader stresses

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali
Khamenei highlighted the importance of environmental protection, and the
benefits that arise from an increase in planting saplings and trees in our society
and in the country, noting that “every Iranian should plant three saplings”.

“Praise God, the Almighty God once
again gave me the opportunity this year as in previous years to perform my duty
to the best of my ability during this season for planting trees. This year, our
officials have introduced this slogan, “Every Iranian should plant three
saplings.”

 I too planted three
saplings today, like other Iranians. If, God willing, each Iranian plants three
saplings, according to the number of people in the nation, what this will mean
is that the government’s program to plant one billion saplings will be achieved
within four years. So, 250 million [saplings] a year will be planted for four
years, starting from 1402 AHS, God willing. This is an important program,” the
Leader said on March 6 on the occasion of Tree Planting Day.

He added, “The matter of planting trees, the issue of
environmental protection, and the many benefits that arise from an increase in
planting saplings and trees in our society and in the country are among the
country’s most important issues. And this is not limited to us. Some of the
neighboring countries have made plans to plant trees up to a certain number –
some four billion, others ten billion.

Now, how successful they will be in doing this is a whole
different topic for discussion. But we can do it. God willing, we can plant one
billion saplings in four years with the people’s help starting from 1402 AHS.
God willing, we will be able to plant one billion saplings in four years’ time.

 God willing, the people
will work hard in this field with the help of God. Organizations should also
help. Every organization has a duty which they need to perform”.

Ayatollah Khamenei said, “One point is that planting
saplings is important. It is important for both the environment and the
country's economy. A few years ago, a number of people wrote a letter
recommending that fruit trees should be planted. So, we planted fruit trees.
This year, some experts and experienced individuals pointed out that non-bearing
trees, forest trees, and various other trees that have wood as their fruit,
these are also important for the country. What they said is absolutely correct.
My advice to everyone is that in addition to fruit trees, [they should also
plant] forest trees, the trees that have important wood, both for using the
wood inside the country and also for trading wood products, which is also an
important issue”.