“The destruction of the environment is a great calamity that would ruin the future of mankind, therefore, officials and all people must stand up to it,” Ayatollah Khamenei said on Friday, as he planted two fruit tree saplings to mark the National Tree Planting Day.

“Planting trees and saplings is one of the virtues that is emphasized in the holy Sharia of Islam,” the Leader said.

He expressed regret over the destruction of forests, natural habitats and aquifers by profiteers.

Ayatollah Khamenei also pointed to incidents such as forest fires and the shrinking and drying up of lakes and wetlands, saying such incidents are preventable and the authorities who do not carry out their duties in this regard are accountable.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the Leader pointed to the problems created by the coronavirus outbreak, saying people will face more livelihood problems if the deadly virus persists.

The pandemic has brought great sorrow on the eve of Nowruz which begins on March 21, the Leader said, adding, “Therefore, this disease should be defeated with collective cooperation.”