By Yohannes Fentahun
Ethiopia has launched this year’s Green Legacy Initiative with an ambitious goal of planting 7.5 billion tree seedlings nationwide. Spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this initiative marks a significant boom from previous years, aiming to combat environmental degradation and enhance resilience to climate change.
As Ethiopia continues to lead by example, the 2024 launch of the Green Legacy Initiative reinforces the country's role as a global leader in environmental stewardship and underscores the urgency of collective action in addressing climate challenges worldwide.
In recent years, Ethiopia has emerged as a beacon of hope in the global fight against climate change through its ambitious Green Legacy Initiative. Launched in 2019 under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, this initiative aims to combat environmental degradation and deforestation by planting billions of trees across the country. Ethiopia's commitment to reforestation not only addresses local environmental challenges but also sets a significant example for the rest of the world in sustainable development and climate action.
Over the past five years, Ethiopia has successfully planted an astonishing 32 billion tree seedlings across the country. This extensive reforestation effort has been instrumental in restoring degraded landscapes, mitigating the impacts of climate change, and preserving the nation's rich biodiversity. Impressively, 90% of these planted seedlings have effectively grown, demonstrating the initiative's tangible impact on the environment.
In a display of unprecedented commitment, Ethiopia set a world record last year by planting 566 million tree seedlings in a single day. This extraordinary achievement not only highlighted Ethiopia's dedication to environmental sustainability but also garnered international attention and support for its reforestation efforts.
The Green Legacy Initiative's success is rooted in its inclusive and community-driven approach. During the first phase of the initiative, a staggering 20 million people actively participated in tree-planting activities, showcasing widespread grassroots engagement and environmental stewardship. As Ethiopia enters the second phase of the initiative, plans are underway to plant an additional 25 billion tree seedlings, aiming to further expand forest cover and enhance ecosystem resilience.
In 2024, Ethiopia has set a target to plant 7.5 billion tree seedlings, marking another significant step towards achieving its reforestation goals. Looking ahead, the country aims to reach an ambitious milestone of 50 billion planted tree seedlings by the end of the next two years. This forward-looking strategy underscores Ethiopia's steadfast commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, positioning the nation as a global leader in climate action.
Beyond ecological benefits, such as improved soil fertility and enhanced water retention, the Green Legacy Initiative has also generated socio-economic opportunities for millions of Ethiopians. Reforestation efforts have created jobs in rural communities, particularly benefiting women and youth, and contributed to poverty reduction and economic growth.
Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the world, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action in addressing global environmental challenges. By scaling up tree-planting efforts and fostering partnerships, Ethiopia continues to pave the way towards a greener, more sustainable future for its people and the planet as a whole.//