The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Girma Amente, stated that the Green Legacy Initiative, beyond increasing forest coverage, is a tool for ensuring food security through fruit development.
The 14th International Day of Forests is being celebrated under the theme "Forests and Food".
Minister of Agriculture Dr. Girma Amente stated on the platform that Ethiopia is a country blessed with its geographical location, natural resources, and suitable climate.
He recalled that there had been severe deforestation in the past due to an economic model not based on forests, but now Ethiopia has formulated and is implementing a policy to rectify this.
He highlighted that the Green Legacy Initiative, conceived by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, is a tool for ensuring food security through fruit development, in addition to increasing forest coverage.
Furthermore, he pointed out that beyond food consumption, it is a source of income by supplying to the foreign market and has made a significant contribution to job creation.
He announced that 4.7 billion seedlings have been prepared so far for the current Ethiopian fiscal year 2017 Green Legacy Initiative. He indicated that the government is giving special attention to nature conservation and green development more than ever before.
The Director General of the Ethiopian Forestry Development, Kebede Yimam, for his part, mentioned that it is a resource with a significant share in the global economy and pointed out that damage to forests reverses sustainable development.
The Ethiopian Forestry Development also assured that it will continue to strengthen its role in leading the sector with knowledge and skills, ENA reported.
The program was attended by Mubarak Elias, Deputy Chairperson of the Agriculture Affairs Standing Committee of the House of Peoples' Representatives, Professor Eyasu Elias, State Minister of Agriculture, as well as federal and regional officials.