Statements Following the Tree Planting Ceremony

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

God willing, the planting of trees, both on this day and during the days recognized for tree planting, will be a source of blessing and prosperity for the country. The reality is that plants and trees are a source of blessing for every country and every human community; for this reason, the sacred Islamic law and our traditions emphasize the importance of trees, their preservation, and the prevention of their cutting. Today, all the people of the world pay attention to this issue, and it can be said that humanity has always valued trees.

However, I have a complaint to make regarding the officials responsible for trees, tree planting, forests, and related matters: here we are planting trees one by one, while hundreds and thousands of trees are being cut down in places where they should not be cut; this is a significant problem that exists. In addition to the fact that the greenery and lands surrounding large cities have been wrongfully and illegally taken over by individuals who wish to exploit the land, and this greenery has turned into concrete and iron—which is a calamity for cities—the country's forests are also under serious threat, which must be urgently addressed. This is the duty of the government, the parliament, the municipalities, and the judiciary; each must take measures to prevent the advancement of this erroneous movement that unfortunately exists in our country today.

We need laws to protect the forests—these laws are lacking—and we require a strong will and firm determination to prevent the encroachment of lands surrounding large cities, which individuals take over and convert into buildings and high-rise apartments. This action not only creates various human and societal problems but also leads to the destruction of the green environment surrounding cities—the air we breathe in the city. Now, you may go to the city and laboriously plant saplings one by one in homes; where is this, and where is the city surrounded by greenery? Although good work has been done, sometimes afforestation has occurred around cities—this should not be denied—what must be preserved is the main wealth of the country, which consists of the green areas surrounding cities, the gardens within cities, and especially the forests. The environmental organization, other relevant governmental bodies, parliament representatives, and the municipalities regarding cities and their peripheries are all obliged to pursue this matter throughout the country. We always repeat this issue, yet we still see that no proper action has been taken! Well, God willing, everyone must strive to ensure that this work, which everyone agrees is necessary and correct, is realized.

God willing, may you all be successful. Gentlemen, goodbye.