Table tennis players plant trees to help Safashahr ^{CEFR B2}

Safashahr faces a worsening water crisis and growing environmental fragility in public and rural areas. Two years ago the head of the table tennis association of Khorrambid County set out not only to develop the sport and build basic infrastructure, but also to use the club as a catalyst for local environmental action.

The association has run several volunteer initiatives that link table tennis with local conservation. Activities have ranged from “plastic‑free hall” campaigns in training venues to building small water troughs for wildlife. The most recent event, held in the Nobekuh area near the village of Dehbid and organised with the Department of Natural Resources, attracted more than 200 residents.

Those participants planted 400 drought‑resistant trees, mainly wild almond and arjan, species selected for their ability to survive the region’s harsh, low‑water conditions. The atmosphere was both joyful and emotional: families said they felt they were giving something back to the land, and many children planted a tree for the first time.

Organisers say the work is changing how young players view the local landscape and strengthens community ties. Several people proposed creating a small community forest over coming years. The association intends to continue the activities and plans to sign a memorandum of understanding with the local Department of Environment to formalise the joint actions.