Leader Calls for Fostering Culture of Preserving Vegetation

Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the preservation of trees and other forms of vegetation needs to gain the status it deserves in the popular culture. 
He made the statement on the occasion of National Tree Planting Day and the beginning of Natural Resources Week after planting two fruit saplings in Tehran on Wednesday.  
The Leader described the national day as “a herald of spring” and “a reminder of the importance of vegetation”.
“Planting saplings on National Tree Planting Day is a symbolic move aimed at developing a culture of respect for trees and plants,” he was quoted as saying by his website. 
Pointing to the damage inflicted on forests and ranges due to people’s indifference, Ayatollah Khamenei called for deeper public appreciation of the value of vegetation. 
He strongly censured the destruction of woodlands to erect buildings, calling on authorities in charge to stand up to such practices and not let that happen. 
The leader also voiced criticism about planting “harmful” saplings in certain areas of the countries to stop desertification.
Planting saplings is a method of preventing the expansion of deserts, especially to combat dust storms that have become quite common in Iran over the past decades due to severe water shortage and shrinkage of wetlands. 
However, the plants used for the purpose need to be selected scientifically by taking into account the climatic conditions of the region. 
Ayatollah Khamenei stressed that efforts should be made to preserve forests and ranges, calling on supervisory organizations such as the judiciary to spare no effort to prevent any intrusion into forests.