Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said people and officials are obligated to preserve green areas, particularly woodlands and ranges.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the statement during a ceremony to mark Natural Resources Week, in which he planted a sapling, according to the official website of the Leader. Mayor of Tehran Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Agricultural Jihad Minister Mahmoud Hojjati were present in the ceremony.
The Leader underlined the need to value plants and trees which are "a blessing for human life".
He pointed to the destruction of indigenous species as a result of "encroachments" on woodlands and noted that the destruction of forests and gardens goes against national interests.
"There are fears that some native species would face extinction, so it is incumbent on everyone to protect green areas," he said.
