Year of Native Land in Belarus

MINSK, 29 October (BelTA) – During the meeting with the BRSM Youth Union activists, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko noted that the year 2019 that will mark a halfway point for the Year of Native Land initiative might be dedicated to landscaping and nature, BelTA has learned.

When answering questions of the youth, the head of state drew attention to Belarus’ natural riches, forests and bogs that are dubbed “Europe’s lungs”. “I was raised around the nature; I am a person from the village. I am no stranger to it,” he said.

Alexander Lukashenko spoke in favor of plans to plant more trees in Belarusian towns and the capital city not only in the run-up to the forthcoming European Games, but also for the future. This matter will be given due attention also as part of the Year of Native Land initiative implemented in Belarus in 2018-2020. “When I was making a decision to declare it [2018] the Year of Native Land, I realized that we would not be able to accomplish many things over one year. Therefore, it will span three years. There will be a certain idea for each year. Maybe, landscaping, nature restoration in the native land and other areas will be the centerpiece of the year 2019. We will think it through – ministers, the administration and the youth will have their say,” the president noted.

Representatives of the youth community put forward an idea to open parks of family trees all over Belarus. In these parks people will be able to plant a tree to mark some important family event. “A wonderful initiative. I absolutely support it. A person will come and will plant his/her tree in line with a plan in the park,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

He admitted that he had already planted trees with his sons on the territory of the Palace of Independence and in his residency.

The head of state upheld another proposal – to carry out a nationwide forum of the rural youth. Such an event has been a success at the regional level in Minsk Oblast. Alexander Lukashenko promised to attend this event if he receives an invitation.