Plantation becomes an annual culture in Ethiopia, thanks to the Green Legacy initiative launched by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) in 2019. Until 2023, the initiative helps Ethiopia to plant over 32.5 billion seedlings within five years and this plantation year, efforts are underway to plant 7.5 billion saplings with the goal of reaching 40 billion during the sixth year of the initiative.
As part of the annual plantation initiative, a one-day tree-planting campaign becomes an annual culture which aims to break records. Last year, Ethiopia set a record by planting over 566 million seedlings in a single day, surpassing its initial target of 500 million. And this year’s one-day tree planting campaign was held yesterday with the target of planting 600 million saplings. For the day, Ethiopia has prepared a total of 317,521 hectares of land, mapped in 8,452 sites. Ethiopians from all corners of the country attended the campaign.
The national one-day campaign was held under the motto of “A country that plants; A Generation that sustains.” Government officials attended the campaign and convey messages.
Developing River Basin plantation develops water conservation: PM Abiy
With the conclusion of this year’s one-day planting event, we will have planted around 40 billion seedlings since the launch of the Green Legacy program in 2019. Of the seedlings planted in the past year, 50% have been focused on food security, soil conservation, and combating land degradation. As we move forward, we must continue planting in areas like the Abay River Basin to support water conservation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said after leaving his Green Legacy in Assosa
Green Legacy fosters social, economic benefits: GCS State Minister
This year’s tree planting campaign stands out from previous efforts due to its integration of a geo-referencing system. People from diverse backgrounds across Ethiopia are actively participates in the nationwide initiative, aiming to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Over the past few years, the Green Legacy Initiative has successfully increased the nation’s forest coverage from 17% in 2019 to 23% in 2023. In addition to boosting forest cover, the initiative has fostered significant social and economic benefits, particularly in enhancing food security and self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the Green Legacy Initiative has strengthened social bonds by uniting communities.
Selamawit Kassa, State Minister, Government Communication Service (GCS)
Green Legacy aims building comfortable Ethiopia for future generations: Bikila Hurisa
Green Legacy initiative aims to build a green, beautiful, and comfortable Ethiopia for future generations. Everyone across the country should actively participate in leaving a historic legacy in building a prosperous, green and comfortable Ethiopia. Planting saplings is only the first step. Citizens should ensure continued care and nurture for the growth of the saplings thrive and contribute to forestry, agriculture, tourism, and other sectors.
Bikila Hurisa (PhD), Prosperity Party (PP) Public and International Relations Head
Green Legacy resulting notable increase metropolis forest coverage: Mayor
Addis Ababa has prepared 168 locations to plant six million seedlings during the one-day plantation campaign. A large turnout of residents from various backgrounds has actively participated in the one-day plantation initiative. Residents are planting versatile seedlings across 168 locations, covering a total of 250 hectares of land across the city.
The success of the Green Legacy Initiative results notable increased forest coverage of the city from 2.8% in 2019 to 20% in 2023. The initiative is advancing socio-economic development in the capital and fostering prosperity nationwide.
Adanech Abiebie, Mayor, Addis Ababa City Administration
Half of Ethiopia’s land is exposed to ecosystem degradation: Adefris Worku
As half of Ethiopia’s land is exposed to ecosystem degradation, it needs treatment. Ecosystem degradation forced Ethiopia to launch Green Legacy initiative. From the total hectare of the country, some 54 million hectare of land is experiencing different levels of ecosystem degradation. Ethiopia launched Green Legacy initiative to recover the affected ecosystem of the country. Accordingly, by planting 7.5 billion seedlings this plantation season, Ethiopia targets to cover over two million hectares of land by forests. The 600 million saplings planted during the one-day campaign can cover 317,521 hectares of land across Ethiopia.
Adefris Worku (PhD), Coordinator, National Green Legacy Technique Committee
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2024
