Statements After Planting Saplings on Tree Planting Day

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

This year, as in every year, thanks be to God, we have had the opportunity to plant a few saplings. This is to encourage not only the youth but also individuals of our age to engage in this important, great, necessary, and beautiful task, and for everyone to strive in the joy of planting saplings and multiplying trees and greenery in the country.

Tree planting is an investment; it is, in fact, foresight, it is wealth creation. This sapling will soon turn into a tree; if the tree bears fruit, it is a type of wealth; if it provides wood, it is another type of wealth. By planting saplings, you gain profit and do not incur loss; this is one aspect of the issue of tree planting.

Another aspect is that it contributes to air quality. Trees, fields, and the vegetables that God Almighty brings forth from the earth have an impact on improving the living environment and air quality; therefore, the environment also benefits from this planting of saplings and trees, which is very important, as it is the living environment of humans, and humans certainly need a healthy environment. This is another aspect.

Another aspect is that trees and greenery provide freshness and beauty to the living environment; aside from the health and material benefits, they are pleasing to the eye and heart. If the living environment is green and filled with the blessings of God, it is certainly beneficial for the human spirit, and people benefit from it. These are various aspects. In fact, tree planting has material benefits, biological benefits, and provides freshness and psychological benefits; in every respect, it is genuinely pure profit, meaning there is no harm in it.

What I want to recommend is to take this national tree planting movement seriously, which was announced last year and, thanks be to God, I have heard it is progressing well. The statement made during the government of Martyr Raisi that one billion trees should be planted over four years has proven to be feasible and can be accomplished, provided that everyone makes an effort and the relevant government agencies assist the people in carrying out this task, whether through guidance, practical assistance, or administrative support.

One important point is that we should not plant saplings on one side while destroying and cutting down large, useful trees on the other side. Cutting down trees—whether in forests or outside of them—may be necessary in certain cases or technically required, which is another discussion; however, in general, we must be careful that cutting down trees is considered a harm and a danger; we must prevent forest destruction and the conversion of agricultural lands to other uses. This is also an issue. I have heard, thanks be to God, that good work has been done in Tehran and some other cities in these areas, and this must continue.

My recommendation is that our dear people consider tree planting as a righteous act, as a good deed, and increase the number of trees and greenery, thereby beautifying the environment; in addition to creating means for material, spiritual, and moral benefits for themselves. I pray to God Almighty for everyone's success.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.