Ethiopia is preparing for the seventh edition of its seedling planting initiative as part of the Green Legacy Initiative, with an impressive 4.7 billion seedlings ready for the upcoming planting season.
The Ethiopian Forest Development announced that 441,000 hectares of land have been spotted for afforestation this Ethiopian fiscal year, with a target of planting 7.5 billion seedlings across the country. So far, nearly two-thirds of the required seedlings—4.7 billion—have been grown in nurseries, putting the campaign on track to meet its goal.
Since its launch in 2019 under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, the Green Legacy Initiative has dramatically expanded Ethiopia’s nursery capacity. From just 45,000 nurseries six years ago, the country now boasts over 120,000—run by the government, private sector, NGOs, and community groups.
This year, 2,247 quintals of diverse tree seeds—including forest species, fruit trees, and agroforestry plants—have been collected and distributed to nurseries. The initiative not only focuses on planting but also ensures long-term sustainability through soil and water conservation measures like terracing and trenching.
For better monitoring, authorities are using geo-referenced mapping to track planted areas. Last year, 947,000 hectares of afforestation sites were mapped, and this year, 220,000 hectares (50% of the target land) have already been charted.
Beyond environmental benefits, the campaign has become a major job creator. Over the past six years, 1.3 million Ethiopians have found work in seedling production, planting, and maintenance. This year, an additional 132,800 people are expected to benefit from temporary and permanent employment opportunities linked to the initiative.
With the rainy season approaching, Ethiopia is poised to take another bold step in its green revolution. As the Afforestation and Land Restoration Desk, emphasized, the focus remains on sustainability, community involvement, and innovative land management to ensure the survival and growth of every planted tree.
The Green Legacy Initiative reportedly continues to set an example for large-scale environmental restoration, one seedling at a time.