Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Damascus countryside, SANA-A religious mass was held at St. Sergius and Bacchus Monastery in Maaloula town in Damascus countryside.
Following the prayer, over 500 pine seedlings were planted in the town in the context of Shajarati (My Tree) project which was launched by State Ministry for Environment Affairs and the Korean Business Center in 2012.
Minister of State for Environment Affairs Nazira Sarkis, who joined the planting activity, said the campaign is aimed to “increase green spaces so as to decrease pollution, curb environmental deterioration which is attributed to climate change and the acts of terrorists that damaged the environment.”
Sarkis said the project seeks to plant around 23 million fruitful trees across Syria as, she said, trees symbolize love and peace.
Agriculture Director in Damascus and its Countryside Dr. Ali Saadat said that the directorate, in cooperation with Ministry of Environment, had planted nearly 500 pine seedlings in Maalula town as part of a daily planting campaign that has been on for months, adding that the campaign will continue in the next few days by planting new species including apricots and black mulberry.
Director of the Korean Business Center, the prime sponsor of Shajarati project, Zaher Zanbarakji said that project is meant to enhance the unity binding the Syrians together and back up Syrian economy.
Manal Ismael
