The Green Marathon project has been concluded.

The “National Green Marathon” project, initiated in November 2014 by Leyla Aliyeva, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, was concluded on May 30 of this year.

Within the framework of the project, during the autumn 2014 and spring 2015 planting seasons, nearly 1.5 million trees of various species were planted across the country. Information about the progress of the “Green Marathon,” the planted trees, reports by districts and cities, and photos from the tree-planting campaigns were posted on the project’s website.

From the very first day, the “Green Marathon” attracted wide public interest, and government agencies, private companies, and representatives of civil society demonstrated special activity throughout its course. District and city executive authorities from 76 regions of the country joined the tree-planting campaigns.

The IDEA Public Union expresses deep gratitude to all partners for the successful implementation of the “Green Marathon” project and their contributions to the country’s environment.

IDEA approaches the protection and expansion of greenery in the country with particular sensitivity. Over the past four years, more than 4 million trees have been planted in Azerbaijan through the initiative of the Public Union. In addition, within the joint initiative of the IDEA Public Union and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the “Say No to Tree Cutting” program, established in May 2014, made a significant contribution during its first year to preventing illegal tree cutting in Baku and surrounding districts. Through the “1113” hotline, created under the program (available via city phones and all mobile operators), 150 complaints from citizens have been received to date, each of which was investigated on-site by the “Emergency Aid to Nature” mobile team operating within the program, and necessary measures were taken in cooperation with relevant government agencies to restore destroyed greenery.