DOE Head Stresses Leader's Policy on Collective Responsibility in Environmental Protection

Scientific Approach and Legal Measures

Referring to the Leader's scientific and expert view, Ansari noted that he insisted on the necessity of criminalizing environmental destruction, adopting decisive legal measures against violators, and preventing deforestation and invasions. He believed that converting public property into private property through the destruction of nature constitutes a clear violation of the rights of future generations.

Among the Leader's main priorities was promoting a culture of environmental protection and raising public awareness. Ansari reported that concepts such as 'intergenerational justice and rights,' 'managing climate change consequences,' 'developing a green economy,' and 'creating an integrated national environmental system,' used by the Leader, define the roadmap for the country's ecological protection in the coming years.

Leader's Calls for Tree Planting

Every year on National Tree Planting Day, the late leader called on people to plant trees and care for the environment, asserting that such important work requires national support. In March 2025, the Leader stated that tree planting is a beneficial action demonstrating the nation's foresight in creating wealth for coming generations.

Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that all people should participate in tree planting as a good and righteous deed so that the increase in trees refreshes and cleanses the living environment. Experts believe that in addition to planting fruit trees, tree species should be planted, as timber export has a significant impact on the country's economy, which the late leader highlighted. He also noted that destroying forests, the environment, and vegetation is equivalent to undermining national interests, and cutting down part of the forests for construction, except in emergencies, harms the nation.

Ecology in Islam and National Plans

The Leader considered tree planting a profitable action reflecting the nation's foresight in shaping future prosperity. Since environmental degradation poses a serious threat to humanity, it must be addressed. He again called on everyone to participate in tree planting as a benefit contributing to the renewal and purity of the environment. The late leader stressed that tree planting is a profitable and beneficial investment because trees increase oxygen levels and help reduce pollutants. He also reminded of the connection between humans and nature and environmental preservation in Islam, pointing out that this is not just the task of the youth, but of people of all ages.

Referring to the national plan launched in December 2023 to plant up to one billion trees across the country over four years to combat desertification and restore forests, the late leader said: 'If every Iranian person plants three seedlings, the government's goal of planting one billion seedlings over the next four years will be achieved.'

Tree Planting Day

National Tree Planting Day (March 5th) this year was observed in special memory of the late Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, who always recommended planting trees as a good and righteous act for the protection of the environment. This day is annually celebrated on the fifteenth day of Esfand, the last month in the Iranian calendar, marking the beginning of the water and natural resource management week. It was approved to include this day in the national calendar as 'Environmental Protection Awareness Day.'

In 2015, the late leader announced general environmental policies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, harmonious, and organized management of vital resources based on ecological capacity and sustainability, especially by building capacity and appropriate legal and structural capabilities with public participation. Among these policies were improving environmental conditions to ensure a healthy environment, upholding justice and intergenerational rights, preventing and prohibiting any form of illegal pollutants, registering environmental crimes, effectively and preventively punishing polluters and environmental destroyers, and compelling them to compensate for their actions. Currently, the tree planting campaign continues with high participation in cities and villages across the country, which will contribute to the development of vegetation, the promotion of environmental conservation culture, and the fight against pollution.