TEHRAN, June 5 (Shana) -- Managing-Director of the National Iranian Gas Company Hamid-Reza Araqi in a message released on Sunday urged NIGC staff and officials to protect environment and avoid polluting the nature.

He made the remarks in a statement released on the occasion of World Environment Day.

Development of gas supply to the whole country has great effect on protection of the environment, the official added.

He urged optimizing gas consumption and controlling the waste gases inside and outside the companies.

Congratulating the World Environment Day, Araqi noted that everybody has responsibility to understand the importance of his or her relation with the nature.

The official urged NIGC official and staff to do their best to avoid polluting the nature.

World Environment Day aims to inspire more people than ever before to take action to prevent the growing strain on planet Earth�s natural systems from reaching the breaking point. The 2016 theme highlights the fight against the illegal trade in wildlife, which erodes precious biodiversity and threatens the survival of elephants, rhinos and tigers, as well as many other species. It also undermines our economies, communities and security. This year�s slogan "Go Wild for Life" encourages you to spread the word about wildlife crime and the damage it does, and to challenge all those around you to do what they can to prevent it.

By SHANA