Tree-Planting Initiative Speeds up Soil and Water Conservation

Acting Head of FRWO said that FRWO’s experiences and scientific studies prove that in our country it takes100 to 300 years to form 1cm of soil based on different climatic conditions.

According to FRWO’s website, Dr. Khosrow Shahbazi, speaking on the sidelines of World Soil Day ceremony on Tuesday, told YJC: "In wet tropical areas of the world soil formation is faster, but in arid and semi-arid regions of the world like Iran it takes a longer time.

He cited conservation of base resources, especially soil and water, as the main task and priority of FRWO and said that with the consent of the Supreme Leader, the Government and the Parliament of 150 million Euros has been allocated for development of vegetation cover and soil erosion control from National Development Fund.

Dr. Shahbazi also announced that IWM projects will be implemented in 1.65 m/h this year, and said that these projects mainly concentrate on soil erosion and flood control in the country.

He reiterated: “On average, each year, an estimated 10 tones of fertile soil are lost per hectares due to erosion extent in different parts of the country. Therefore, the flagship for planting 14 million seedlings aims to engage both people and relevant agencies active in green movement to deal with the current trend”.

Khosrow Shahbazi told YJC that based on estimations about 125 million hectares of national land are subject to water erosion, which must be addressed immediately.