TEHRAN – Leader of the 
Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Wednesday called for protection of farmlands and forests as he planted three saplings on the occasion of Iran’s National Tree Planting Day.
Ayatollah Khamenei described tree planting as a beneficial act, a forward-looking endeavor, and a means of wealth creation.
The Leader also underscored the importance of the national movement initiated last year under the administration of late President Ebrahim Raisi to plant one billion trees within four years.
“Everyone should participate in tree planting as a righteous and virtuous act, so that with an increase in trees, our living environment will gain freshness and vitality,” the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei said his yearly tradition of planting saplings is a symbolic gesture to remind people that tree planting transcends the bounds of youth. He said individuals of all ages should be inspired and driven to engage in this important, significant, essential, and beautiful endeavor.
Tree planting is a profitable investment from multiple angles and a means of generating wealth, he added. 
“Planting trees, regardless of the motivation behind it – whether driven by the desire to harvest fruit from productive trees or to harness the value of timber from certain species – is an entirely profitable measure in which there is no loss.” 
The Leader explained that trees and agricultural fields play a vital role in maintaining clean air and the environment.
“In addition to enhancing air quality, trees and cultivated plants refresh our living spaces and environment, uplifting the human spirit as they are aesthetically pleasing and comforting to the soul.”
Ayatollah Khamenei cautioned against the removal of trees and change in land use, asserting that cutting down trees, except for technical and necessary reasons, constitutes a loss and poses a risk. 
The Leader said the destruction of forests and any change to land use must be prevented.