Our beautiful planet needs producer to sustain food chain and keep the momentum of the planet in healthy track. Cognizant of all this, the Ethiopian government has made smart move to address food security, herbal gain and react to environmental degradation via undertaking tree plantation during the span of the last five years. In this regard, the state is in the forefront of the motto “A Nation that Plants; A Generation that Sustains.” Over the last five years, some 25 billion seedlings including trees, fruit, and cattle feeds have been planted across the country.
The Green Legacy Initiative in Ethiopia is a massive tree-planting campaign aimed at tackling several pressing issues:
The initiative creates job opportunities in nurseries, animal husbandry, beekeeping, poultry farming, and fruit and vegetable production. It is also expected to strengthen Ethiopia’s international reputation as a leader in climate change mitigation.
Ethiopia’s ambitious Green Legacy Initiative, launched in 2019, aims to plant 4 billion trees annually for a decade, transforming the country’s landscape and contributing significantly to its economic development. This ambitious project goes beyond environmental restoration; it holds the potential to unlock a wealth of economic opportunities, boosting livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth.
By combating deforestation and promoting afforestation, the Green Legacy Initiative campaign strengthens Ethiopia’s resilience to climate change. This translates into increased agricultural productivity, reduced vulnerability to droughts, and improved water security, all crucial for a nation heavily reliant on agriculture.
The initiative contributes to the preservation of Ethiopia’s rich biodiversity, safeguarding ecosystems that support vital industries like tourism and forestry. This biodiversity not only attracts eco-tourism but also provides a source of income through sustainable harvesting of forest products.
The planting and maintenance of trees create numerous job opportunities, particularly in rural areas. This provides a much-needed boost to the local economy, empowering communities and reducing poverty.
By absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the Green Legacy contributes to mitigating climate change. This opens up opportunities for Ethiopia to benefit from carbon markets and attract investments in sustainable development.
The Green Legacy Initiative goes beyond planting trees. It encompasses a holistic approach to environmental conservation and sustainable development, focusing on local communities that are actively involved in the initiative, ensuring ownership and long-term sustainability. This fosters a sense of responsibility and promotes participatory decision-making.
The initiative emphasizes sustainable land management practices, including soil conservation, water harvesting, and agro forestry, to maximize the benefits of reforestation.
The Green Legacy promotes the development of value chains around forest products, creating opportunities for local communities to benefit from the initiative’s economic potential.
Moreover, many argue that securing adequate funding and resources to sustain the initiative over the long term is crucial. Ensuring active participation and ownership by local communities is vital for the initiative’s success. Implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and adapt strategies is essential.
The Green Legacy Initiative presents a unique opportunity for Ethiopia to achieve economic prosperity while safeguarding its environment. By harnessing the power of nature and fostering sustainable development, Ethiopia can build a greener and more prosperous future for its people.
According to ENA, Federal Ministers and Regional Chief Administrators have lauded Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as a major step forward in environmental conservation and food security.
The officials also affirmed that the initiative, being underway for the past five years, has been making significant impact on the country’s efforts to improve food security and environmental protection.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) has issued a call to action, urging citizens to plant 600 million saplings during the nationwide overnight greening program on 23 August, 2024. The program, which has seen the planting of over 566 million saplings in a single day last year, is set to be scaled up this year.
The premier urged adults and teenagers to demonstrate their love for the country by planting over 20 and 10 trees respectively adding that “Let’s ensure our gift to the next generation is placed in the right spot.” Leaders at different administrative levels from across the country have expressed their support for the initiative.
Sidama Region President, Desta Ledamo, hailed last year’s joint planting program as historic and pledged the region’s full participation during this year’s overnight tree planting event to achieve the 600 million saplings in one day.
Similarly, Tilahun Kebede, President of the Southern Ethiopia Region, expressed confidence in the region’s ability to contribute significantly to the national target.
Mayor of Dire Dawa City Administration, Kedir Juhar, has also announced an ambitious plan to plant one million saplings overnight within the City limits. He called on residents to join the nationwide greening effort.
The initiative has also garnered support from the cabinet. Minister of Agriculture Girma Amente (PhD) and Minister of Women and Social Affairs, Ergoge Tesfaye (PhD) both emphasized the program’s role in environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and food security. They urged citizens to actively participate during the overnight planting event.
As the nation gears up for the massive tree-planting campaign, expectations are high that Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative will continue to yield positive results for the environment and its people.
The officials have said that the initiative has been making significant impact on the country’s efforts to improve food security and environmental protection.
Ethiopia has actively embarked on extensive tree planting over the past five years, having planted a remarkable number of seedlings so far. Pursuant to the country’s ambitious plan of planting 50 billion trees, Ethiopia is anticipated to plant 7.5 billion trees this year, it was indicated. The goal for this year is to reach 40 billion seedlings from the overall target of 50 billion. Ethiopia has so far planted more than 32.5 tree seedlings.
Trees help improve soil fertility by providing organic matter and reducing erosion. This leads to better crop yields and increased food production. Trees act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and releasing it slowly, which helps recharge groundwater reserves and improve irrigation for crops. Trees can help mitigate the effects of drought, a major challenge for food security in Ethiopia.
Ethiopia has a rich biodiversity of medicinal plants, many of which are used in traditional medicine. The Green Legacy Initiative aims to protect and expand these resources, ensuring access to natural remedies. The cultivation and trade of medicinal plants can create new economic opportunities for local communities. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, a key greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. Planting trees helps mitigate the effects of global warming.
Trees can help create microclimates that are more resilient to extreme weather events like droughts and floods, making communities more adaptable to climate change.
The Green Legacy Initiative encourages widespread participation, with communities actively involved in planting seedlings. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the environment. Planting seedlings ensures the growth of trees, providing long-term benefits for future generations.
Overall, the Green Legacy Initiative in Ethiopia is a comprehensive approach to address food security, promote herbal gain, and mitigate climate change. By planting trees and engaging communities, Ethiopia is working towards a sustainable future.
BY LAKACHEW ATINAFU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 23 AUGUST 2024
