An Ethiopian delegation led by the Minister of Agriculture, Girma Amente, is attending the Oslo Tropical Forest Forum (OTFF) from June 25-26 in Oslo, Norway.
During the Forum, the delegation showcased the achievements of the Green Legacy initiative, focusing on reducing deforestation and increasing forest cover. Minister Girma emphasized that this initiative has benefited not only Ethiopia but also neighboring countries.
The delegation also highlighted the newly approved Proclamation of Special Fund for the Green Legacy Initiative, aimed at rehabilitating degraded lands. The Ethiopian government’s commitment to this initiative was underscored.
Minister Girma explained that initiatives like irrigated wheat and ‘Bounty of the Basket’ (YeLemat Trufat) have contributed to food self-sufficiency, deforestation reduction, and forest cover growth. These efforts illustrate Ethiopia’s shift towards a sustainable production-to-consumption system for a healthier society.
At the Forum, the delegation presented Ethiopia’s significant efforts in boosting agricultural productivity and protecting natural resources through sustainable practices as examples of good practice.
On the sidelines, the Ethiopian delegation held discussions with the Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bård Vegar Solhjell (Director General of the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation), and Andreas Dahl-Jørgensen (Director of Norway’s International Climate and Forest Initiative).
Norwegian officials commended Ethiopia’s efforts to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure food security, recognizing the importance of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They expressed a commitment to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
The Oslo Tropical Forest Forum aims to celebrate achievements and address remaining challenges a decade after REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) was included in climate change negotiations. The Forum seeks to advance strategies for mobilizing forests to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and the SDGs.