National Tree Planting Day is held on the 15th day of the Esfund, the last month of the Iranian calendar, marking the beginning of the national week of natural resources.
Trees and plants are essential for life and sustainability, offering many benefits to oxygen and humanity.
Every year, many individuals express their commitment to nature by planting seedlings, taking a step towards environmental conservation, particularly in an age of ecological threats.
Tree planting days serve as reminders to honor and maintain our environment.
Planting trees is an important Islam tradition and is highlighted by many stories, with the Quran referring to plant growth in verses 20 and above.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that those who grow seedlings will be rewarded with the fruits they endure.
Despite the important cultural and religious values of trees in various countries, humanity has increasingly exploited nature for personal gain, leading to the destruction of this sacred gift and escalating environmental issues.
This clearly emphasizes the responsibility for protecting and sustainably managing natural resources, particularly forests and pastures, as an ethical and national obligation.
The country celebrates tree planting day by planting saplings in urban green spaces in late winter or early spring, depending on the local climate.
In ancient Iran, natural respect and conservation of resources such as water, soil and trees was a deeply infiltrating custom planted at various festivals.
Historically, Iranians praised planting as part of their national heritage and religious beliefs, and viewed it as a form of worship.
Ayatollah, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, promoted Ali Khamenei’s relationship with the environment. Often, it is reduced to his annual iconic tree planting on Iran’s National Tree Planting Day.
It is worth noting that he has been involved in the act for over 40 years, but his commitment to environmental issues goes beyond symbolism.
In 2015 he clarified comprehensive environmental policies in a letter to the heads of three government departments, as required by Article 110 of the Constitution.
His priorities include establishing a unified national environmental system, systematically managing critical resources, crimes about environmental damage, creating ecological atlas, strengthening environmental diplomacy, fostering green economy, and instilling environmental ethics and culture.
Ayatollah Khamenei emphasizes that environmental protection is not just a form, but a key issue, “it emphasizes that environmental issues and the preservation of natural resources are essential. In our development efforts, prioritizing environmental protection is essential, even industrial issues.”
Regarding the importance of the environment, Ayatollah Khamenei states that plants, trees, and everything that comes from them are fundamental in the construction of human civilizations, looking at trees, plants and the environment in a spiritual way.
In his various speeches, he explains aspects of environmental protection issues and the obligation of officials and the public to maintain nature and the environment.
Approximately 8,000 plant species have been identified in Iran so far, representing 80% of plant species in the European continent in terms of diversity and number.
When it comes to biological and genetic diversity, Iran is one of the top 20 countries in the world, so over 8,000 plant species and a significant number of exclusive species of Iran place the country’s important regions in the global biodiversity hotspots.
The need to increase the country’s green space is very important given that Iran is one of the countries with few vegetation and only 7% of its total area is covered with forests.
Iran needs to urgently expand its green space with just 7% of its forested land. This reinforcement is important not only as an ecological balance, but also as a key strategy against climate change.
Community involvement is essential to successful tree planting initiatives. By enabling local people to participate in these activities, we promote a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment. Schools, universities and local organizations will host planting events that serve as educational opportunities to raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation.
Instilling environmental management from an early age can help cultivate a generation dedicated to protecting nature.
Furthermore, governments can amplify these efforts through policies that promote planting and conservation.
Providing incentives for sustainable practices among individuals and businesses can provide significant long-term environmental benefits.
Establishing protected areas, supporting sustainable agriculture, and evaluating ecosystems in economic planning are essential to balancing human activities and nature.
Ultimately, conserving and enhancing Iran’s natural resources requires a comprehensive approach that integrates cultural respect, active community engagement, innovative policies and international cooperation.
In doing so, we honour our ancestors’ heritage to recognize that preserving nature is essential to the future of mankind. We must act decisively to ensure that our ecosystems thrive.
Reported by Tohid Mahmoudpour