500 trees were planted by Polotsk residents for the 500th anniversary of printing as part of the Forest Week

A new ecological and patriotic project is being implemented as part of the "Polotsk – Youth Capital" events and the republican Forest Week. 500 evergreen Western Thujas were planted on the territories of enterprises, organizations, and institutions of the region yesterday.

In the spring, Polotsk will celebrate the 1155th anniversary of its first mention in chronicles, and in the autumn, it will become the capital of the Day of Belarusian Written Language, with the dominant theme being the 500th anniversary of Belarusian printing. In honor of these significant dates, as explained by Oksana Pashkevich, Deputy Director of the Polotsk Forestry Enterprise, it was decided to gift the city 500 trees. Their 60-centimeter saplings were grown in the enterprise's regional basic nursery, which, incidentally, is also celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

The "Plant Your Tree!" project, organized by the forestry enterprise in conjunction with the Department of Ideological Work, Culture, and Youth Affairs of the Polotsk District Executive Committee, consists of several stages. The first stage is called "I Study in Polotsk and I am Proud of It." School graduates planted trees to leave their mark, and senior college students pledged to uphold the traditions of their educational institutions and remain loyal to their chosen professions.

The "I Serve in Polotsk and I am Proud of It" campaign is for demobilized servicemen. They will plant an Alley of Honor together with soldiers of the next conscription, who will continue to care for the trees. Young specialists from enterprises and organizations will work under the motto "I Work in Polotsk and I am Proud of It."

In addition, 80 Thujas were planted in honor of the 80th anniversary of the forestry enterprise on the territory of Polotsk Secondary School No. 15, where the school forestry "Ranitsa" operates. From a young age, the students participate in forest planting and can provide a real master class to their peers.

The implementation of the project, as noted by the press service of the Polotsk District Executive Committee, allows for the unification of the interests of the youth aktiv and attracts attention to solving environmental problems, symbolizes the connection of generations, and contributes to the fostering of patriotism.

Larisa MALASHENYA, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos by the author and from the archive of the Polotsk Forestry Enterprise.